Minimally open interbody access retraction device and surgical method

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/104,653, filed on Apr. 17, 2008, which claims priority to, and thebenefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/925,056,filed on Apr. 17, 2007, the contents of each of these prior applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic spine surgery andin particular to devices, systems and methods for minimally openinterbody access retraction devices and surgical methods.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic spine surgery andspecifically to unique retractor devices and surgical methods to performorthopedic spine surgery by way of a minimally open or less invasiveapproach.

There has been considerable development of retractors and retractorsystems for less invasive spine surgery procedures, with most of the newtechnologies being based on traditional types of surgical retractors foropen procedures, predominantly table-mounted devices of various designs.These prior devices are large and bulky and frequently are not wellsuited to the smaller incisions and muscle sparing approaches desiredfor less invasive surgery. Most retractor systems may be classified astable mounted systems, handheld systems, and soft tissue anchoredsystems. Table-mounted systems generally contain a retractor attached toa surgical table through a support arm. As appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the design of table-mounted systems is bulky and provides auser with limited degree of maneuverability. Standard hand-held surgicalretractors are well known and can be modified to fit the contours ofthese smaller incisions, but they require manual manipulation tomaintain position during surgery. Soft tissue anchored systems arepositioned into the soft tissue and levered back to hold the wound open,frequently requiring re-positioning when they dislodge or obstruct theview or access pathways. The table mounted systems, handheld systems,and soft tissue anchored systems are all susceptible to displacement innumerous directions as a result of pressure exerted on the patient'sbody caused by, among other things, the surgeon's work within the bodyor the patient's breathing. The pressure exerted on the patient's bodycauses a reactionary force on the retractor and may displace theretractor from its original location.

There is, therefore, a demonstrated need for a retractor which can beself-retaining in the incision, can be fixed so as to inhibitdislodgement, does not require re-positioning yet allows for manualmanipulation which increases the surgeon's procedural flexibility and isminimally obtrusive so as to not interfere with the surgical procedure.

Furthermore, the retractor should provide a protected working channel toaccess the disc space. To that end, it would be advantageous if theretractor could be expanded medially to increase visualization andexposure without enlarging the incision. Finally, a retractor devicethat is simple to introduce as well as remove will increase thelikelihood of its use.

In recent years, minimally open surgical approaches have been applied toorthopedic spine surgery and, more recently, to spine fusions involvingone or more vertebral bodies. Unlike minimally invasive procedures suchas arthroscopic knee surgery or gallbladder surgery where the affectedarea is contained within a small region of the body, spine surgeryinvolving a fusion typically spans a considerably larger length orportion of the body. For this reason, the idea of performing a minimallyopen procedure on the spine has only recently been approached.

By way of example, a typical spine fusion in the lumbar region, wherebyat least two vertebral bodies are rigidly connected using screwsimplanted into the vertebral body and a rod spanning the distancebetween the screws is by its nature not very conducive to a minimallyopen approach. Furthermore, a spine fusion is typically supported byimplanting one or more interbody devices into the disc space eitherusing an anterior or posterior approach. An anterior approach requires aseparate incision whereby the surgeon accesses the patient's spinethrough the abdomen. One advantage of the anterior approach is that theinterbody used in this procedure closely matches the footprint of theadjacent vertebral bodies. The disadvantage is that an anteriorprocedure is typically performed at a different time and requires itsown incision and access.

A posterior approach to interbody implantation can be achieved throughthe same incision as that of the pedicle screws. Implantation of aPosterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) device requires bilateralremoval of the facet joints and requires introduction and implantationof two bilateral implants. A Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion(TLIF) approach can be achieved unilaterally and may require removal ofonly one facet joint. Another advantage of the TLIF approach is thatonly one device is implanted into the disc space

While the implantation of pedicle screws can be achieved with relativelylittle site preparation, interbody implantation requires considerableaccess and surgical implant site preparation by the surgeon. Once thefacet joint is removed, the surgeon can begin removing the disc. One ormore instruments may be needed to access the site at any time as well assufficient lighting and suction. To perform these tasks, the surgeonneeds a suitable opening or channel to work through.

Several minimally open or minimally invasive access devices currentlyexist to achieve the goal of a suitable working channel. Most are eithermounted to the surgical table or held in place by the surgeon or anassistant. Table mounted retractors offer little flexibility.Furthermore, such retractors do not offer a relationship or positionalguidance with respect to the patient.

Handheld retractors provide greater flexibility but require an extrahand to maintain position. They also may or may not offer a fixedrelationship to the patient but in either case can easily be knocked outof position. Furthermore, handheld retractors typically offer a verylong and narrow fixed channel to work through making the procedure evenmore challenging. Several handheld retractors have been developed overthe years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,064 describes a handheldaccess system that has the ability to expand muscle tissue. To this end,this access system includes hinged bi-hemispherical or overall workingtubes applied over an obturator that is controllably dilated to separatemuscle tissue slowly.

Scientists have also developed soft tissue anchored retractors. Theseretractors are typically anchored to the patient's soft tissue ratherthan a table. As such, soft tissue anchored retractors offer the surgeonmore flexibility than table mounted retractors but less flexibility thanhandheld retractors. There are different kinds soft tissue anchoredretractors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,617 discloses a soft tissue anchoredretractor for direct access endoscopic surgery. This retractor includesa rigid frame capable of supporting the applied loads required toperform retraction of an incision site. The rigid frame includes ahandle at one end and a lower blade mount rotatably connected to theopposite end. A translation frame is slidably connected to the rigidframe and includes an upper blade mount rotatably connected thereto.Lower and upper blades are removably mounted on the lower and upperblade mounts, respectively.

Finally, any of the above-mentioned retractors typically require a formof dilation to obtain the initial opening. Circular or oblong dilatorsare well known in the art, but do not provide flexibility in configuringthe desired access corresponding to the encountered anatomy. Inaddition, sequentially dilating tissue to make an opening large enoughto perform surgery through the dilator or to accept a retracting deviceis tedious and can be traumatic to the patient. A retracting device thatreduces or eliminates the steps associated with dilator devices would beadvantageous. Minimally open surgery offers significant advantages overconventional open surgery. At the onset, the skin incision andsubsequent scar are significantly smaller. A truly minimally open spineprocedure should constitute the smallest damage or disruption possibleto the surrounding anatomy. While there may be one or more incisions,depending on the number of levels needing attention, the amount ofmuscle and vascular retraction and scraping should be reduced to resultin less operative trauma for the patient. A minimally open procedurealso is likely to be less expensive, reduce hospitalization time, causeless pain and scarring, reduce the incidence of complications and reducerecovery time.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure illustrates several devices, methods and systemsfor performing orthopedic surgery, and more particularly spine surgery.Still more specifically, the instruments and methods of the presentdisclosure provide unique less invasive access to the spine from aposterior approach which facilitates interbody surgical procedures,including but not limited to a TLIF procedure, possibly supplemented bya screw and rod construct.

Broadly stated, the retractor system is secured relative to one or moresurgical implants which, in turn, are affixed to bone, e.g., a pediclescrew, and a spreading device moves a retracting blade away from theportion of the system which is secured to the implant.

A first retraction system is disclosed having a first retractor bladewhich includes an extension member configured and dimensioned to bemounted temporarily into the rod receiving channel of an implantedpedicle screw. The system includes a second retractor blade and aspreading device. In use, the first retractor blade is mounted to animplanted pedicle screw and held in fixed relation thereto bytemporarily locking the extension member to the screw, and the secondretractor blade is inserted into the incision in opposing relation tothe first blade. The spreading device is attached to both blades and isused to move the blades apart. Because the first blade is fixed relativeto the pedicle screw, actuating the spreading device causes the second,movable blade to move apart from the first blade, thereby causingselective unilateral retraction in one direction. For a TLIF procedure,the first retractor is mounted to a screw and with the blade positionedon the lateral side of the incision, and the second retractor is movedaway from the first retractor by the spreading device to cause medialretraction of the incision. In one embodiment, the first retractormounted to the pedicle screw is offset laterally from the axis between apair of screws implanted into adjacent vertebral bodies, therebyproviding ideal access to the facet joint and the interbody spacebetween the vertebral bodies when the retractor blades are spread apart.

The foregoing retractor system and method may be used in open or miniopen surgery, where the surgeon creates an incision in thecephalad-caudad direction and implants at least one pedicle screw into avertebral body. The retractor system may then be mounted to the at leastone pedicle screw and used as described above to access the facet andinterbody space.

The system and method may be used in conjunction with percutaneous,flexible screw based retractors to further reduce the invasive nature ofthe procedure. Thus, in this method, a pair of pedicle screws isinserted into the pedicles of adjacent vertebral bodies with a flexibleretractor pre-assembled to each screw. The surgeon then rotates eachflexible retractor such that the slot between the two blades of oneretractor is perpendicular to the long axis of the spine. An incision isformed between the screws and the flexible retractors may be spreadapart, such as with a Gelpi retractor, in a cephalad-caudad direction.Thereafter, the first substantially rigid retractor blade is mounted toone of the screws, with the refractor blade on the lateral side of theincision, a second blade is inserted opposite the first, and a spreadingdevice is used to move the second blade in the medical-lateral directionto open the incision. In this manner, the flexible retractors define thecephalad-caudad boundaries of the access opening and the first andsecond relatively rigid retractors define the medial-lateral boundariesof the incision.

It has been found that this method provides ideal access for facetremoval and a TLIF approach to interbody fusion. Once the facet and/orinterbody work is complete, the surgeon removes the first and secondrigid retractors and utilizes the flexible retractors in amedial-lateral orientation to insert a rod between the screws, compressor decompress the construct, and lock the rod to the screws in a mannerappropriate for the particular screw system being utilized. The flexibleretractors are then removed, such as with a retractor extractorinstrument, the incision closed and the patient is permitted to recover.Because the size of the incision is minimized by the instruments andtechniques described herein, it is anticipated that patient recoverytime and post-operative comfort may be improved.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure advantageously permitspine surgery to be performed through an incision which closelyapproximates the minimum distance between two implanted spine screws,thereby sparing adjacent soft tissue, particularly muscle, fromdisruption. Indeed, fixing the lateral retractor relative to the screwsadvantageously permits the minimal length incision between the screws tobe selectively retracted in the medial direction with the lateral bladeslightly offset in the lateral direction from the axis between thescrews, thus providing optimal access to the facet joint and theintervertebral space

These and other advantages will be realized from the following detaileddescription of the several embodiments, and by practice with the systemsand methods disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed retraction device are describedherein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible minimally invasive retractoraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flexible minimally invasive retractoraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the flexible minimally invasive retractor ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side plan view of the flexible minimally invasive retractorof FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the flexible minimally invasive retractor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the flexible minimally invasive retractor ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the flexible minimally invasive retractor ofFIG. 1 and screw assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the minimally invasive retractor andscrew assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front sectional view of a portion of the minimallyinvasive retractor and screw assembly of FIG. 3, taken around section 5of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is an alternate embodiment of the retractor of FIG. 5illustrating the minimally invasive retractor disposed on a post of amonoaxial posted screw;

FIG. 5B is an alternate embodiment of the retractor of FIG. 5illustrating the minimally invasive retractor disposed on a post of apolyaxial posted screw;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a flexible minimally invasive retractorand screw assembly according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the minimally invasive retractor and screwassembly of FIG. 6 showing a rod extending through an expanded passageof the minimally invasive refractor;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of bone biopsy needle according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cannulated scalpel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a top view of a cannulated scalpel according to an alternateembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the cannulated scalpel of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a bottom perspective view of the cannulated scalpel of FIG.9A;

FIG. 9D is top view of a cannulated scalpel according to an alternateembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9E is a top perspective view of the scalpel of FIG. 9D;

FIG. 9F is a bottom perspective view of the scalpel of FIG. 9D;

FIG. 9G is a top view of another embodiment of a cannulated scalpel withan offset lumen;

FIG. 9H is a perspective view of the cannulated scalpel of FIG. 9G;

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a dilator and retractor according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a side plan view of an instrument introducer according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of a cannulated bone screw tap according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of the bone screw tap of FIG. 11;

FIG. 11B is an side enlarged sectional view of a portion of the bonescrew tap of FIG. 11, taken around section A of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a screw inserter having ananti-rotation sleeve according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side exploded view of the screw inserter of FIG. 12 shownwith a spine screw;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a screw insertion assembly including the screwinserter of FIG. 12, a flexible minimally invasive retractor, and aspine screw;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retraction assembly including aflexible minimally invasive retractor and a Gelpi retractor;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cannulated screw with a rodpositioned in a rod receiving passage;

FIG. 16A is top view of the cannulated screw of FIG. 16;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the cannulated screw of FIG. 16illustrating an optional guidewire inserted therethrough;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a retractor extractor instrumentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of the retractor extractorinstrument of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the retractor extractor instrument ofFIG. 17 coupled to a minimally invasive retractor operatively associatedwith a spine screw;

FIG. 20 is a front cross-sectional view of a vertebral body with a pairof flexible minimally invasive retractors attached thereto with screws,showing the flexible retractor blades in their initial position and rodspositioned in the passages of the minimally invasive retractors;

FIG. 21 is a front cross-sectional view of the vertebral body with apair of flexible minimally invasive retractors attached thereto withscrews, illustrating the flexible retractor blades in a second positionand the rods positioned in the passages of the minimally invasiveretractors;

FIG. 22 is a front cross-sectional view of a body illustrating insertionof the bone biopsy needle of FIG. 8 into a vertebral body;

FIG. 23 is a front cross-sectional view of the body of FIG. 22illustrating insertion of a guide wire through the bone biopsy needle;

FIG. 24 is a front cross-sectional view of the body of FIG. 23illustrating tissue separation using the cannulated scalpel of FIG. 9;

FIG. 25 is a front cross-sectional view of the body of FIG. 23illustrating insertion of the screw insertion assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 26 is a front cross-sectional view of the body of FIG. 23 with thevertebral body illustrating the screw of the screw insertion assemblyinserted into the vertebral body;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a substantially rigid retractordesigned to be mounted in the rod-receiving channel of a screw;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the retractor blade of FIG. 27;

FIG. 27B is a top view of the retractor blade of FIG. 27;

FIG. 27C is a side view of the retractor of FIG. 27;

FIG. 27D is a front view of the retractor of FIG. 27;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 27 with a pediclescrew mounted thereon;

FIG. 29A is a front view of a second rigid retractor blade in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29B is a side view of the second rigid retractor blade of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29C is a top view of the second rigid retractor blade of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29D is a perspective view of the second rigid retractor blade ofFIG. 29A;

FIG. 29E is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, showing the rod-shaped portionsapproximated to each other;

FIG. 29F is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 29E with therod-shaped portions spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 29G is a front view of the retractor of FIG. 29E;

FIG. 29H is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 29E, taken aroundsection A of FIG. 29G;

FIG. 29I is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29J is a front view of the retraction system shown in FIG. 29I;

FIG. 29K is a rear view of the retraction system shown in FIG. 29I;

FIG. 29L is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure with a pedicle screw mounted on arod-shaped portion of the retraction system;

FIG. 29M is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 29L withthe pedicle screw approximated to the retraction blade portion of theretraction system;

FIG. 29N is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29O is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure with rod-shaped portionsapproximated to each other;

FIG. 29P is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 29O withthe rod-shaped portions spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a model illustrating schematically a one-level,unilateral minimally open interbody access channel formed by twoflexible minimally invasive retractors oriented cephalad-caudad, and asubstantially rigid retractor assembly oriented medial-lateral, withspreading devices removed for viewing purposes;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a spreading device in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the retractor assembly of FIG. 31 withfirst and second retractor blades attached thereto;

FIG. 33 is a side view of a temporary set screw with a quick connectfeature in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a spreading device in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the spreading device of FIG. 34,showing the arms spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 35a is a perspective view of a spreading device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the retraction system of FIG. 37 without therod-shaped portion of the retraction blade;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 37 withthe retraction blade and the distraction post spaced apart from eachother;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 40 withthe distraction post spaced apart from the retraction blade;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 41 withthe distraction posts spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 44 is a side view of a retraction system according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a side view of the retraction system of FIG. 44 with therod-shaped portions according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a retraction system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 46showing the rod-shaped portions spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 46 withpedicle screws secured to the rod-shaped portions;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 46 with acurved plate attached to the rod-shaped portions;

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of the retraction system of FIG. 46with the curved plate attached to the rod-shaped portions;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a spreading device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 52 is perspective view of the spreading device of FIG. 51 with thespreading plates approximated to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure describes devices, systems and methods forminimally open spine surgery. In the present disclosure, the pediclescrews may be inserted in an open, mini-open or percutaneous manner. Inone embodiment of the methods and systems disclosed herein, the pediclescrews are introduced percutaneously with a screw based minimallyinvasive retractor or, more specifically, with a flexible percutaneousscrew-based retractor that is removably attached to a pedicle bonescrew. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/528,223, filed Sep. 25, 2006,entitled “Minimally Invasive Retractor and Methods of Use,” which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes severalkinds of screw based retractors. The screw-based retractors disclosed inthe foregoing application are designed to be spread apart in themedial-lateral direction to aid in rod introduction.

In one disclosed system and method, a pair of screws, each having aflexible screw based refractor, is percutaneously inserted into firstand second adjacent vertebral bodies. In one embodiment, theconfiguration and orientation of the screw based retractors allows aGelpi retractor to engage each retractor such that the Gelpi retractoris able to spread the retractor apart in a cephalad-caudad orientation.Either before or after engaging the Gelpi retractor with each of theflexible screw based retractors, an incision is made between the twoimplanted screws along a line between the two implanted screws to createa line of sight access directly to the facet joint and interbody spacebetween the vertebral bodies to which the screws are implanted. Becausethe incision is made after the screws have been percutaneouslyimplanted, the length of the incision is minimized and closelyapproximates the distance from one screw implantation site to the other.This spreading of the flexible screw based retractors and creation of anincision between the screws defines the cephalad and caudad boundariesof a working channel through which the disc space and associated anatomymay be accessed. In contrast, an open incision made to implant thescrews would typically extend beyond the screw implantation sites ineither direction, disrupting additional muscle and tissue. It is alsocontemplated, however, that the incision could be made first, thepedicle screws implanted with or without the flexible retractors, and amedial-lateral retractor system of this disclosure may be mounted to andused with at least one of the screws.

Once the cephalad-caudad boundaries of the working channel have beencreated, a second retractor system is introduced into the incisionbetween the screws and spread in a medial-lateral fashion to create thedesired opening to access the disc space.

In another embodiment, the second retractor system may include apharyngeal-type rigid retractor blade. A distal end of the first rigidblade is mounted in fixed relation to one of the heads of the pediclescrews. A retractor blade has an integral extension configured anddimensioned to be inserted into the rod-receiving channel of the pediclescrew and to be temporarily fixed relative to the screw, such as by useof a temporary set screw. The blade extension is offset from theretractor blade, so that when the extension is fixed in the screwchannel, the retractor blade is offset from the linear axis extendingbetween the two screws. In one method, the retractor blade is offset ina lateral direction with the blade extension mounted in therod-receiving channel of the screw.

The upper portion of the retractor blade extends out of the incision andis adapted to engage a spreading device. The spreading device has afirst arm or side which attaches to the first relatively rigid retractorblade when the retractor blade is mounted to a screw. The spreadingdevice has a second arm or side to which a second relatively rigidretractor blade may be attached. The second rigid blade is positioned inthe incision opposite the first blade, and the spreading device isactuated to spread apart the two retractor blades. Because the firstblade is fixed relative to one of the pedicle screws, the spreadingdevice leverages off of that fixed blade and the second retractor bladeis moved away from the first blade. If the first rigid blade is mountedlaterally, the second rigid blade moves medially away from the firstblade to retract tissue and provide access to the facet joint and discspace between the two vertebral bodies to which the pedicle screws aremounted. It has been found that the access provided by this approach isideal for either a TLIF or PLIF approach to placing an intervertebralcage or spacer. Advantageously, because the first rigid retractor bladeis fixed relative to one of the screws implanted in the vertebra, theretractor advantageously does not slide out of the incision or movewithin the incision to alter the boundaries or orientation of theincisional opening during surgery.

With the medial-lateral retractor in position, a surgical procedure maybe performed on the facet joint and/or in the intervertebral space,including but not limited to a TLIF or PLIF approach fusion procedure.

After the desired surgical procedure has been performed, themedial-lateral refractor is removed. In this method the flexiblepercutaneous retractor blades are then spread apart in a medial lateraldirection, and a rod is placed into the channel of each pedicle screw.Once the desired orientation and position of the rod and screws isachieved, the screws are locked onto the rod to complete the construct.The flexible percutaneous retractors are then removed from the screwsand the incision is closed in a known manner to complete the procedure.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed minimally open interbody accessretraction device will now be described in detail with reference to thedrawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identicalelements. In the drawings and in the description which follows, the term“proximal”, as is traditional, will refer to the end of the minimallyinvasive retraction device which is closest to the operator while theterm “distal” will refer to the end of the device which is furthest fromthe operator.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a flexibleminimally invasive retractor is illustrated and generally designated as10. Retractor 10 includes an open proximal end 12 and a distal end 14and defines a longitudinal axis or centerline “A.” In addition,retractor 10 includes a pair of flexible retractor blades 8 located oneach side of the centerline “A” of retractor 10. Each flexible retractorblade 8 has a plurality of instrument holes 6 configured and dimensionedto cooperate with different surgical instruments as will be discussed indetail hereinafter. In this embodiment, the instrument holes 6 of eachretractor blade 8 are arranged in a linear row that extends from aproximal portion to a distal portion of the retractor blade 8. Thoseskilled in art will contemplate other arrangements and configuration forinstrument holes 6. A distal region 9 of retractor 10 includes anopening 7 (FIG. 2) and a pair of arms 13 extending from distal end 14 toa flexible region or living hinge 4. Each arm 13 may include at leastone slot or window 2. Optional window 2 may be sized and configured toreceive instruments or a rod therethrough. A living hinge 4 pivotallyconnects each flexible retractor blade 8 to a corresponding arm 13.Together, flexible retractor blade 8, living hinge 4, and arm 13 definea substantially continuous elongate member. A pair of recesses 4 a,which are formed between flexible retractor blade 8 and arm 13, defineeach a living hinge 4. In addition, any suitable connecting apparatus ormeans may couple each flexible retractor blade 8 to a respective arm 13.

Distal end 14 further includes at least one relief region R (FIG. 2)defined by at least one slit 16 extending outwardly and proximally fromopening 7 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, slit 16 may originate at window 2 andextend distally toward opening 7. It is contemplated that otherarrangements of relief structures may be used to define relief region Rand these may exist between opening 7 and window 2. Each slit 16 is aweakened portion of distal end 14. It may be a score in the material, aperforated region in the material, or another structural arrangementallowing relief region R to be radially displaced away from thecenterline of retractor 10 in response to applied forces as will bediscussed in detail hereinafter. In addition, distal end 14 has agenerally convex outer surface that facilitates insertion of retractor10 through layers of body tissue.

Flexible retractor blades 8 and arms 13 are generally arcuate structuresthat cooperate to define a substantially circular configuration forretractor 10. Each retractor blade 8 and each arm 13 have an arcuateconfiguration that is less than about 180° and are radially spaced apartto define a continuous slot 17 along a substantial portion of retractor10. In addition, each retractor blade 8 and its corresponding arm 13define a passage 18 that also extends substantially the entire length ofretractor 10. Passage 18 is expandable, as will be discussed in detailhereinafter, for receiving a rod 3 (FIG. 7) therein. Refractor blades 8and arms 13 define a substantially circular ring shape, therebyproviding sufficient stiffness (i.e. rigidity) such that retractorblades 8 and arms 13 resist bending from the counter forces of theretracted tissues.

Opening 7 is located at distal end 14 of retractor 10 and is sized forreceiving the shank of a threaded screw 40 (FIGS. 3-4) therethrough, butinhibiting passage of a head 42 of screw 40 so as to support screw 40 atdistal end 14 of retractor 10. The interior surface of distal end 14 hasa generally concave spherical geometry that is adapted to receive, nestor mate with head 42 of pedicle screw 40.

One alternative version of flexible retractor which has provenacceptable is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A. As there shown, flexibleminimally invasive retractor 10′ has an open proximal end 12′ and distalend 14′. Flexible retractor blades 8′ have a plurality of instrumentholes 6′ on each of retractor blade arms 8′ (shown in FIG. 1A as eightholes in each arm). Distal end 14′ of retractor 10′ includes an opening7′. As in the prior embodiment, arms 8′ are generally arcuate (althoughother cross-sectional configurations may be used) and together define aslot 17′ along substantially the entire retractor 10′. As will beappreciated, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, slot 17′ extends tothe distal end 14′ of the flexible retractor 10′ and no separate windowis defined. Likewise, no defined living hinge is shown in theconfiguration of FIG. 1A, as the configuration of FIG. 1A has been foundsuitable for molding and use without these features. As in the priorconfiguration, opening 7′ is configured to receive a screw in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 3-4. In the configuration of FIG. 1A-1C and 2A, apair of opposed relief regions R′ are defined by a pair of oppositelydisposed score lines 16′, or the like, extending partially through thewall of the distal end 14′ of the flexible retractor 10′. This weakenedsection has been found appropriate for removal of the flexible retractorfrom the screw at the end of the procedure, as described below. Aspreviously observed, flexible retractor 10′ does not have a separatewindow adjacent the distal end of the retractor. Instead, flexibleretractor 10′ has an enlarged section of slot 17′, which is generallydesignated as 60. Enlarged slot region 60 enhances visibility and accessand provides sufficient flexibility of arms 8′ without a separate windowor separately defined living hinge.

In FIGS. 3-5, retractor 10 is illustrated in an assembled condition witha pedicle screw 40. Pedicle screw 40 extends through opening 7 (FIG. 2)such that threads of pedicle screw 40 extend beyond distal end 14 (FIG.4) for insertion into a target site in a bone (e.g. a vertebral body).As shown in the figures, when pedicle screw 40 is inserted in retractor10, the head 42 of the pedicle screw 40 sits within the interiorgeometry of distal end 14. As shown, rod receiving passage 44 of pediclescrew 40 (FIGS. 5 and 20) may align with opening 17 between retractorblades 8 facilitating the insertion of a rod into screw head 42. Inaddition, pedicle screw 40 is pivotable about the longitudinal axis ofretractor 10 allowing retractor 10 to be attached in a first angularorientation with respect to the vertebral body, but pivotable aboutpedicle screw 40 increasing the amount of tissue that may be retractedusing retractor 10.

Alternatively, the presently disclosed retractor 10 may be used incombination with a posted, monoaxial pedicle screw 40 a (FIG. 5A) orwith a polyaxial (i.e. multiaxial) pedicle screw 40 b (FIG. 5B).Examples of suitable screws include the posted monoaxial screws of theTSRH® system available from Danek Medical, Inc. and the polyaxial screwdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,528 to Errico et al., currentlyassigned to the assignee of the present application, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Inembodiments using posted pedicle screws, a separate plate (not shown)may be included for connecting the posted pedicle screws.

In FIG. 5A, the retractor 10 is positioned atop the posted screw 40 a.The posted pedicle screw 40 b includes a post 48 with threads thereonand a collar 47. The collar 47 has a greater circumferential diameterthan either the post 48 or the shank of the posted pedicle screw 40 a.In a previous embodiment, the distal tip of pedicle screw 40 wasinserted through the distal opening of the retractor 10 (FIG. 4). Inthis embodiment, the posted pedicle screw 40 b is installed in a desiredlocation prior to installing the retractor 10. Subsequently, theretractor 10 is installed on top of the posted pedicle screw 40 a bymoving the retractor 10 toward the posted pedicle screw 40 a such thatthe post 48 enters the distal opening of the retractor 10 and the distalend 14 of the retractor 10 rests upon a top surface of the collar 47.

Similarly, the retractor 10 may be used in combination with a polyaxialpedicle screw 40 b as illustrated in FIG. 5B. The polyaxial pediclescrew 40 b includes collar 47 and post 48 as previously described inconnection with posted pedicle screw 40 a. In addition, the polyaxialpedicle screw 40 b includes a stem portion 52 having a threaded section57 and a socket portion 56. The socket portion 56 includes a sphericalrecess formed at its bottom for slidably engaging the spherical portionof post 48. As such, the stem portion 52 is movable throughout aplurality of angles in relation to the shank of polyaxial pedicle screw40 b. After the polyaxial pedicle screw 40 b is installed in a desiredlocation, the retractor 10 is installed over the threaded section 57 ofthe stem portion 52 such that the distal end 14 of the retractor 10abuts an outer surface of spacer 54.

Another embodiment of the flexible retractor is illustrated in FIGS. 6and 7 and shown generally as retractor 50. Retractor 50 is similar toretractor 10, but includes a plurality of living hinges 4 along withtheir corresponding recesses 4 a over the length of retractor 50. Eachliving hinge 4 is about 1-2 mm in height and each blade section 8 a isabout 5 mm in length.

In particular, each retractor blade 8′ includes a plurality of bladesections 8 a. Each blade section 8 a is connected to an adjacent bladesection 8 a by a living hinge 4. Thus, the plurality of blade sections 8a and living hinges 4 define retractor blade 8′. As in the previousembodiment (FIG. 1), prior to spreading the flexible retractor eachblade section 8′ is substantially parallel to arm 13 to define slot 17between retractor blades 8′.

When retractor blades 8′ are urged radially outward from their initialor rest position towards their retracted position, the size of passage18 increases. This increase in the size and area of passage 18 improvesaccess to the surgical target site (i.e. near where the retractor isinserted into tissue), thereby increasing visibility of the target site,access for instruments, and access for surgical implants. As shown inFIG. 7, rod 3 is positioned in passage 18 after the surrounding tissuehas been retracted using retractor 50. These advantages will bediscussed in detail hereinafter. Additionally, the plurality of livinghinges 4 greatly increases the adaptability of retractor 50 incomparison to retractor 10. While retractor blades 8 of retractor 10(FIG. 1) generally bend at its single living hinge 4, the additionalliving hinges 4 present along retractor blades 8′ of retractor 50 permitbending with increased flexibility at a number of positions along thelength of each retractor blade 8′. Thus, retractor blades 8′ will bendat the living hinge 4 that corresponds to the plane defined by thesurface of the patient's body tissue. By using this construction,retractor 50 is usable in patient's having different tissue thicknessesbetween the vertebral body and the surface of their skin. In addition,since each retractor blade 8′ has a plurality of living hinges 4 andblade sections 8 a, it is not required for each retractor blade 8′ tobend at the same point along the length of retractor 50, therebyaccommodating variances in the depth that retractor 50 is inserted. Forexample, one retractor blade 8′ may bend at its fourth living hinge 4,while the other retractor blade 8′ may bend at its sixth living hinge 4,thereby accommodating variances in tissue thickness and orientation ofretractor 50.

It is contemplated that any of the previously disclosed retractors maybe formed of a bendable resilient material such that when externalspreading forces (i.e. from a Gelpi retractor or the physician's hands)are removed, the retractor blades will return towards their initialposition (e.g., substantially parallel to the centerline). It is alsocontemplated that any of the previously disclosed retractors may beformed of a bendable non-resilient material such that when the externalspreading forces are removed, the retractor blades resist returning totheir initial position and remain in the retracted position. All ofretractors 10, 10′ and 50 may be of any length suitable to extend out ofthe body with the retractor in place and the corresponding screwimplanted. It is contemplated that the retractor may be about 6 incheslong and may be readily adjusted to a desired length by removing excessmaterial using scissors or a knife. In addition, the retractor may havean inner diameter that is approximately 16 mm and the retractor bladesmay be approximately 1 mm thick. Instrument holes 6 may be on 1 cmcenterlines. Slot 17 is typically at least 5.5 mm wide, but will varyaccording to the size of the rod that will be inserted into the patient.The flexible retractor may be formed from any suitable biocompatiblematerial having the desired physical properties. That is, retractor 10is formed of a biocompatible, sterilizable material in a suitableconfiguration and thickness so as to be sufficiently rigid to be held onthe screw when desired during insertion and a surgical procedure and toprovide retraction of tissue, and yet is sufficiently bendable to bespread apart to provide retraction during surgery and sufficientlyflexible to be forcibly removed from the screw as necessary andappropriate. It is contemplated that retractor 10 may be formed frompolymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polycarbonate,silicone, polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), copolymers or blends of any ofthe foregoing, or another suitable material. Retractor blade 8 isbendable away from the centerline of retractor 10 in response to appliedforces, wherein retractor blade 8 bends at living hinge 4 (or in thelower regions of the retractor if no living hinge is included). Bendingretractor blade 8 away from the centerline (i.e. radially outwards)creates a larger opening through retractor 10 and also acts to retractthe surrounding tissue at the selected surgical site.

Other components of the presently disclosed system will now be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 8-19. In FIG. 8, a bone biopsy needle (e.g. aJamshidi needle) 100 is illustrated. Needle 100 includes a handle 102disposed at a proximal end of needle 100, an elongate tubular member 104extending distally from handle 102, and a stylet 106. Stylet 106 has asharpened distal tip 108 that is adapted for penetrating tissue,including bone. In addition, tubular member 104 has a lumen extendingfrom its proximal end to its distal end for receiving stylet 106therethrough. Stylet 106 is releasably attached to handle 102 such thatit may removed once the target site has been pierced by distal tip 108.After stylet 106 is removed, a guidewire 1 (FIG. 23) may be insertedthrough tubular member 104 and secured or attached at the target siteusing known techniques.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a cannulated scalpel 120 is illustrated.Scalpel 120 includes a housing 125 having a blade 126 disposed therein.Blade 126 has a sharpened distal end 124 for separating tissue. Thewidth of the scalpel is selected to create an incision appropriatelydimensioned to permit facile introduction of retractor 10, dilator 400with retractor 10, or instrument inserter 500 (depending upon thesurgical approach selected by the surgeon) over the guidewire asdescribed below. In addition, distal end 124 includes an opening 124 athat cooperates with an opening 128 located at proximal end 122 anddefines a channel through scalpel 120 for slidably receiving guidewire 1(FIG. 24) therethrough.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cannulated scalpel1900. The structure and operation of scalpel 1900 is substantiallysimilar to the structure and operation of cannulated scalpel 120.Cannulated scalpel 1900, however, includes a handle 1902 molded ontoblade 1904. Handle 1902 includes channel, passage, or lumen 1906extending therethrough for receiving a guidewire (See FIG. 24). Lumen1906 communicates an opening 1908 located on the distal end of blade1904 with an opening (not shown) positioned on the proximal end ofhandle 1902. Handle 1902 may be made of any suitable moldable materialsuch as a polymer. Blade 1904 has a sharpened distal end 1924 having anarcuate surface. In an alternative embodiment, handle 1902 has a taperedportion 1910 located at a distal portion thereof, as illustrated inFIGS. 9D-9F. In this embodiment, blade 1905 is narrower than blade 1904.

FIGS. 9G and 9H show a further alternative embodiment of scalpel 1900′.Scalpel 1900′ is substantially similar to scalpel 1900, but scalpel1900′ has a laterally offset lumen 1906′ extending therethrough. Lumen1906′ is in communication with a distal opening 1908′ located on alateral edge of blade 1904′ and with a proximal opening (not shown)positioned on a lateral edge of handle 1902′. In operation, scalpel1900′ facilitates cutting tissue between vertebral bodies. Initially, asurgeon places pedicle screws over a guidewire and directs the pediclescrews toward vertebral bodies. Once the pedicle screws are attached tothe vertebral bodies, the surgeon guides the scalpel 1900′ to a firstpedicle screw by positioning lumen 1906′ over the guidewire. Motion ofthe scalpel 1900′ toward the first pedicle screw cuts through tissue,creating an incision that is oriented toward the second pedicle screw.The surgeon then removes scalpel 1900′ from the guidewire, reverses theorientation of scalpel 1900′, and places lumen 1906′ over the guidewireleading to the second pedicle screw. Motion of scalpel 1900′ toward thesecond pedicle screw cuts through tissue, creating an incision that isoriented toward the first pedicle screw.

FIG. 10 shows a dilator 400 configured and dimensioned to be receivedthrough a retractor 10 with distal atraumatic blunt tip 402 protrudingthrough opening 7 in retractor 10. Dilator 400 includes a longitudinalpassage therethrough having a distal opening 404 for receiving guidewire1 therethrough. Alternatively, it is contemplated that rather than aretractor, dilator 400 may be used together with a cannula (not shown).In either case, the atraumatic tip of the dilator extending throughopening 7 of retractor 10 atraumatically spreads tissue so that theretractor may be inserted through the tissue to the bone.

As an alternative or in addition to using a dilator to inspect thetarget site, the surgeon may choose to use an instrument inserter toatraumatically introduce an awl, drill, bone tap or the like to preparethe implant site to receive the bone screw. FIG. 10A illustrates aninstrument introducer 500. Instrument introducer 500 has an open distalend 502 configured and dimensioned to permit an appropriate instrument(e.g., awl, drill or bone tap) to pass therethrough. The instrument iscannulated to receive the guidewire. Adjacent open distal end 502 is adilating tip surface 504, a generally atraumatic dilating tip. Theatraumatic tip transitions to a substantially straight introducer shaft506, which may include longitudinal grooves 508 to facilitate insertionthrough tissue. Proximal end 510 is trumpet shaped to facilitate onehanded removal. That is, with a finger disposed on each side of theintroducer in recesses 512 distal to lip 514, the introducer may readilybe pulled out of tissue. Introducer 500 is hollow through the center toreceive a suitable surgical instrument. As stated, a surgeon may desireto use an awl, drill or tap over the guidewire to penetrate the corticalbone and prepare the target site for screw implantation. In such a case,introducer 500 may be useful to insert the instrument and shield thesurrounding tissue from the instrument and vice versa. Indeed, thesurface of such an instrument can be highly traumatic to surroundingsoft tissue, and the drill or tap can become fouled with soft tissuethat may inhibit obtaining the desired results in bone if the instrumentand soft tissue are not shielded from each other during instrumentinsertion. While introduction of the instrument may be performed througha small incision without a guidewire, in this method the instrument iscannulated and the instrument and introducer are led through the tissueover the guidewire. Thus, with the desired instrument disposed withinthe introducer 500 and the guidewire inserted through the cannulatedinstrument, the introducer and instrument are inserted over theguidewire through the tissue by gently spreading the tissue as theintroducer is advanced into and through the tissue until the tip of theintroducer 500 reaches the target bone site. At this point theinstrument may be advanced out of the distal end of the introducer toengage the bone and perform its intended function. Retractor 10 may beon the order of about 15 mm to about 20 mm in outer diameter in order toaccommodate a screw therein. In comparison, the instrument introducer500 may be smaller in diameter, on the order of about 10 mm to 12 mm inouter diameter depending upon the instrument to be introducedtherethrough.

In FIGS. 11, 11A and 11B, a cannulated bone tap 140 is shown. Bone tap140 includes an elongated body 142 having a proximal end 146 and adistal end 144. Distal end 144 includes a helical thread 145 for formingthreads in a hole that is formed in a bony structure (e.g., a vertebralbody). Proximal end 146 includes a tool engagement region 147 that isadapted for cooperating with a driving or rotating tool 178 (FIG. 25)and forming the threads in the bony structure. Driving and rotatingtools are well known in the art. In addition, proximal end 146 anddistal end 144 cooperate to define a channel 148 extending through bonetap 140 such that bone tap 140 may be slid along guidewire 1. Bone tap140 is available in a number of different sizes in a range of about 5.5mm to about 7.5 mm. Alternatively, other bone taps may be used thatmatch the size of the screw threads of the screw that will be implantedinto bone. It is also contemplated that one or more awls, cannulateddrills or the like may be used by the surgeon, all of which may be usedwith an instrument introducer.

A screw inserter 160 is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Screw inserter160 includes an anti-rotation sleeve 150 and a housing 170. Housing 170includes a body 172 having a pair of handles 174 extending therefrom. Atubular member 176 extends distally from body 172 and includes aplurality of holes 175. A shaft 166 (FIG. 13) is disposed through alumen of tubular member 176 and is rotatable therein. A screw engagingstructure 165 is disposed at a distal end 164 of shaft 166 is adaptedand configured to releasably engage a head 42 of pedicle screw 40. Inparticular, screw inserter 160 includes a cross-member 164 and threads173, which releasably connect the screw inserter 160 to screw 40. Duringassembly of screw inserter 160 and pedicle screw 40 (FIG. 25), screwengaging structure 165 is inserted into head 42 with cross-member 163occupying rod receiving recess 44 and threads 173 engaging threads 45 ofpedicle screw head 42. Handles 174 are used to rotate tubular member 176and threads 173 to engage threads 173 with screw 40. This arrangementreleasably secures pedicle screw 40 to screw inserter 160. Whenassembled with pedicle screw 40, rotation of shaft 166 also causesrotation of pedicle screw 40 without causing rotation of housing 170.Anti-rotation sleeve 150 is located along an outer surface of tubularmember 176 and includes protruding pins or buttons 152.

As best seen in FIG. 14, buttons 152 are configured and adapted toreleasably engage instrument holes 6 of retractor 10. Although retractor10 is illustrated in cooperation with screw inserter 160, screw inserter160 is configured and adapted to cooperate with retractor 50. Buttons152 of screw inserter 160 engage instrument holes 6. Because buttons 152are mounted to anti-rotation sleeve 150, as shaft 166 is rotated torotate screw 40 during implanting of the screw 40, retractor 10 remainsstable and does not rotate. The ability to rotate screw 40 withoutrotating the retractor is important, as rotation of the retractor duringimplanting of the screw 40 could cause trauma to surrounding softtissue. This arrangement permits insertion of pedicle screw 40 whileminimizing displacement of the selected retractor from its desiredlocation and orientation.

A common spreader, or Gelpi retractor 180 is shown in FIG. 15 incooperation with retractor 10. Gelpi retractor 180 includes a pair ofcurvate arms 185 that are pivotably connected at pivot point 186. A pairof finger rings 184 is located at a proximal end of Gelpi retractor 180that permit the physician to move arms 185 selectively toward and awayfrom each other. A finger 182 is located at a distal end of each arm 185and is configured to releasably engage an instrument hole 6 in retractor10. As shown, finger rings 184 are laterally offset from arms 185. Thus,pivotable movement of arms 185 urge retractor blades 8 towards and awayfrom each other in response to movement of finger rings 184. Movingfinger rings 184 toward each other pivots arms 185 away from each otherand urge retractor blades 8 away from each other, thereby enlargingpassage 18. Consequently, movement of finger rings 184 away from eachother has the opposite effect. Gelpi retractor 180 is also configuredand adapted to cooperate with retractor 50, 60, and 70.

FIGS. 16, 16A, and 16B illustrate a cannulated minimally invasivepedicle screw 40. Pedicle screw 40 includes a helical thread 43 that issized and configured for insertion into a threaded hole created by bonetap 140. A head 42 includes a tool engaging portion that is adapted tocooperate with screw inserter 160 as previously discussed. A rodreceiving passage 44 is formed in head 42. In addition, head 42 includesa threaded portion 45 that is adapted to removably attach to the screwinserter 160 and receive a setscrew (not shown). The setscrew compressesagainst rod 3 in passage 44 and frictionally engages rod 3 to hold it ina desired position. Set screws are well known in the art. A throughbore47 extends between a proximal end and a distal end of pedicle screw 40for receiving guidewire 1 therethrough (FIG. 16B).

A retractor extractor instrument 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-19.Retractor extractor 300 includes handle portion 390, arms 310 and 320,and extractor bar 330. Handle portion 390 includes a handle grip 392having openings 393, 394 disposed at one end thereof. Pin 396 extendsthrough opening 394 and pivotably couples handle portion 390 to arms310, 320 by extending through holes 312, 322 of arms 310, 320. A pin 395extends through opening 393 and pivotably couples handle portion 390 topivot bar 398 through hole 398 a. At an opposing end of pivot bar 398,hole 398b receives a pin 397. Pin 397 extends between arms 310, 320 andis slidably captured therebetween. In particular, pin 397 slidesproximally and distally within a recess 324 of arm 320. Arm 310 has anidentical recess that is not shown. Additionally, pin 397 extendsthrough an opening 336 of extractor bar 330. Retractor bar 330 has aslot 330 that extends parallel to its longitudinal axis and slidablyreceives posts 302 therethrough. Posts 302 are attached to bladeportions 316, 326 through openings 318, 328. Additionally, posts 302 areadapted to releasably engage instrument holes 6 of the previouslydisclosed retractors (FIG. 19). At a distal end of extractor bar 330, anoptional extension tip 334 may engage the screw head or the set screwdriving recess. Alternatively, the distal end of extractor bar 330 maybe a flat end to bluntly engage head 42 of pedicle screw 40, a set screwor a rod disposed therein.

Pivoting handle grip 392 toward arms 310, 320 simultaneously movesextractor bar 330 distally (i.e. toward the screw) such that pins 302 onarms 310, 320 and distal blunt end 334 move apart relative to eachother. This simultaneous relative movement between extractor bar 330 andpins 302 causes the refractor to separate from the pedicle screw at therelief regions without applying any appreciable downward forces on theimplant or the patient.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a specialized set screw 600 having a threadeddistal tip 602 configured and dimensioned to engage screw head 42.Temporary set screw 600 has a proximal end with a screwdriver engagingfeature 604 (shown as a recess) and a quick connect stem 606. The lengthof shaft 608 is selected so that the quick connect feature 604 extendsout of and above the incision to when threaded tip 602 is engaged withthe head of an implanted pedicle screw.

Use of the flexible retractor and related instruments to implant pediclescrews will now be described. In a first method, retractor 10 isassembled with pedicle screw 40 and screw inserter 160 as shown in FIG.14. The assembled apparatus is inserted into an incision through thepatient's skin and muscle/fat tissue such that pedicle screw 40 issubsequently threaded into a vertebral body V under directvisualization. Alternatively, retractor 50 may be assembled with pediclescrew 40 and screw inserter 160 and the assembled apparatus is insertedinto an incision through the patient's skin and muscle/fat tissue suchthat pedicle screw 40 may be threaded into a vertebral body.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-26, an alternate, less invasive technique isillustrated. Biopsy needle 100 is inserted through skin S of the patientuntil its distal end contacts the selected point on vertebral body V.Biopsy needle 100 may be inserted in a known manner, such aspercutaneously under fluoroscopic imaging, or under optical or magneticimage guidance (such as the STEALTH® system available from MedtronicSofamor Danek). A small puncture in the vertebral body V is made usingsharpened distal tip 108 (FIG. 8). After pin 106 is removed from biopsyneedle 100, guidewire 1 is inserted through biopsy needle 100 andaffixed to vertebral body V. Guidewire 1 now is in position to directfurther instruments and devices to the selected location on vertebralbody V. Alternately, guidewire 1 may be inserted into vertebral body Vwithout first using biopsy needle 100. The size of the working area maybe increased at the physician's discretion. In order to permitinspection of the position of guidewire 1 prior to insertion of a spinescrew, a dilator 400 and optional retractor 10 may be inserted over theguidewire by inserting guidewire 1 through dilator opening 404 (FIG. 10)with the dilator inserted through retractor 10. Once the dilator tipwith retractor is inserted to the target site, the dilator may beremoved and placement of the guidewire may be inspected through theretractor. If the surgeon is satisfied with the placement of guidewire1, then the procedure may continue through the retractor or theretractor may be removed and another inserted with a screw. If, on theother hand, the surgeon desires to change the guidewire location,another guidewire may be placed through the retractor, such as byinserting bone biopsy needle 100 through the retractor to a differentplacement in the bone and inserting a new guidewire at the new location.The former guidewire may then be removed. If desired, the physician maypre-drill a threaded bore in vertebral body V using bone tap 140inserted along guidewire 1 to prepare the bore. Instrument introducer500 may be used for this purpose.

Once the target site is ready to accept a pedicle screw and retractor,an assembly including pedicle screw 40, retractor 10, and screw inserter160 is slid along guidewire 1 to reach the target site. Using optionaldriving handle 178 (FIG. 25), the physician rotates screw inserter 160to drive pedicle screw 40 into vertebral body V (FIG. 26). After pediclescrew 40 is secured in vertebral body V, screw inserter 160 is removedand retractor 10 remains in place secured by the screw which has beeninserted into bone. This technique is also adapted for use withretractor 50. The result of the attached retractors is the same as shownin FIGS. 20 and 21, albeit without the rod in place as thereillustrated.

In one method of the present application, rather than spread theflexible arms in a medial-lateral direction at this point in theprocedure as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/528,223,the flexible retractors are re-oriented in a cephalad-caudadorientation, i.e. rotated approximately 90° from the positionillustrated in FIGS. 20-21. For reasons which will be explained below,at least one polyaxial screw head body for receiving a rod in alsoreoriented 90°, such that the rod receiving channel of the screw isoriented in the medial-lateral direction. With the screw-basedretractors of two adjacent screws on the same side of the spine orientedin the cephalad-caudad direction, a first spreading instrument, such asa Gelpi retractor, is used to spread the two independent flexibleretractors apart from one another. That is, rather than spreading thearms of one flexible retractor apart from each other, at this point twoseparate retractors are spread apart from each other using the Gelpiretractor. Either before or after the flexible retractors are spreadapart in the cephalad-caudad orientation and direction, an incision ismade between the screws. Thus, the flexible screw-based retractorsdefine the cephalad-caudad boundaries of an incision made between twoscrews implanted into the pedicles of adjacent vertebral segment on thesame side of the spine.

With the incision between the screws defined, a specialized rigidretractor blade is inserted into the incision. A rigid retractor blade200 is shown in FIGS. 27 through 27D. As there shown, the rigid bladeportion resembles a pharyngeal type retractor. The specialized retractor200 has a retractor blade portion 202, a proximal flange 204 extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the blade portion a quick releaseconnector extension 206 (shown only in FIG. 27, but intended to beattached to the corresponding opening in FIGS. 27A-27D) extendingproximally from flange 204, and an angled distal foot portion 208 withridges 210 to hold tissue aside and prevent the tissue from slippingunder the distal end of the retractor. In addition, retractor 200includes an extension member 212. Extension member 212 has a rod-shapedportion 214 and a lateral offset arm 216. Lateral offset arm 216 extendsto the side of retractor blade 202 and may be formed integrally with theblade. Rod-like portion 214 is attached to and extends from lateraloffset arm 216 in a direction generally orthogonal or perpendicular toblade 202, and extending away from the direction of angled foot portion208 and ridges 210. Rod-like portion 214 has a diameter thatsubstantially corresponds to the diameter and shape of the rod-receivingchannel 44 of the polyaxial screw (see FIGS. 16 and 28), the reasons forwhich will be explained below.

In this method, substantially rigid blade 200 is inserted into theincision and extension member 214 is inserted into the rod receivingchannel of one of the screws. In order to accomplish this, it may bedesirable to release pressure on the Gelpi retractor which is holdingthe flexible screw based retractors apart, and insert the extensionmember down to the desired screw between the flexible arms of theretractor associated with that screw. As will be appreciated, the screwto which extension member is to be inserted should be oriented with therod receiving channel in the medial-lateral direction, as pointed outabove. Once the rigid retractor 200 is positioned in the incision withextension member 18 situated in a rod receiving channel of the screw,the extension member is temporarily fixed to the screw. In the case of apedicle screw which utilizes a set screw, a known temporary set screw(not shown) may be inserted and tightened to an appropriate degree tosecure the extension member to the screw. Of course, it is contemplatedthat other types of pedicle screws could be used which do not involve aset screw above, in which case the corresponding rod-locking mechanism(e.g. nut, nut screw combination, taper or friction lock) is utilized totemporarily fix the extension member to the screw. One friction lockscrew is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/493,625, filedJul. 27, 2006, entitled “Multi-Planar Taper Lock Screw,” the entirecontents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 28 illustrates the positional relationship of retractor 200 and thepedicle screw 40 with the retractor blade extension member 214 securedin the rod receiving channel of the screw with a set screw, albeitwithout the screw implanted into bone. Although the retractor 200 isshown in combination with a monoaxial pedicle screw, it is contemplatedthat the retractor 200 may be used in combination with a polyaxialpedicle screw. Alternatively, the retractor 200 may include a modifiedlateral offset arm that includes a polyaxial joint that increases theflexibility of the retractor and permits greater ranges of movementduring a surgical procedure when combined with a monoaxial pediclescrew. The polyaxial joint is located between the retractor blade andthe extension portion. In a further alternate embodiment, the retractorblade and the lateral extension are modular. In this embodiment, theretractor blade is configured and adapted for receiving either a fixedlateral extension or a polyaxial lateral extension. When provided in akit, the practitioner may select either lateral extension for use withthe pedicle screw. Typically, the polyaxial lateral extension is used inconjunction with a monoaxial pedicle screw, while the fixed lateralextension is used with a polyaxial pedicle screw, but other combinationsof these structures are contemplated.

It is contemplated that rigid retractor blade 200 may be oriented toeither the lateral or medial side of the incision. In one embodiment,the rigid retractor is mounted to a pedicle screw so that the rigidblade is disposed on the lateral side of the incision. As will beappreciated, with the extension member mounted and secured to one of thepedicle screws, the rigid refractor blade is fixed in relation to thatscrew. A second rigid retractor blade 230 (see FIGS. 29A-29D) is theninserted into the incision opposite the first rigid retractor blade 200.Second rigid retractor blade 230 has an elongated rigid blade 232, ahorizontal proximal flange 234 having an aperture 236 for a quickconnect post, and an angled distal end 23 with ridges 240. FIG. 30 is aschematic illustration of the orientation of the flexible retractors 10in the cephalad-caudad orientation (without showing the Gelpi retractorholding them apart) and the first rigid retractor 200 (which is fixed toan implanted screw, not shown) disposed laterally and the second rigidretractor disposed medially. Of course, the fixed retractors could notspread apart as illustrated unless attached to a spreading device, aswill now be explained.

FIG. 31 illustrates a spreading device 250 having a first arm 252 and asecond arm 254 connected to a pair of handles 256. Arms 252, 254 havehinges 258 which permit adjustment of the arms 252, 254 in a verticaldirection to facilitate manipulation. The distal end of each arm 252,254 includes an aperture 260 to receive and engage a quick connect post206 on one of retractor blades 200, 230. As will be appreciated,squeezing handles 256 spreads apart arms 252, 254 to spread retractorblades 200, 230 attached at the distal ends of the arms. FIG. 32 showsspreading device 250 with rigid retractor blades 200, 230 attached byquick connect posts 206 to the distal end of each arm 252, 254.

With rigid retractor 200 disposed in the incision with the extensionmember secured to the screw and the retractor blade 202 disposed on thelateral side of the incision, and rigid retractor 230 disposed in theincision on the lateral side, and both retractors connected to thedistal end of arms 252, 254 of spreading device 250, the handles of thespreading device are squeezed together (and may be latched in position,as appropriate) to cause arms 252, 254 to spread apart the rigidrefractor blades in a medial-lateral direction. Because one blade, thelateral blade, is in fixed relation to one of the pedicle screws,spreading the arms of the spreading device will not effect retraction inthat direction, but rather will move the opposite retractor away fromthe retractor blade which is fixed to the screw. Where the fixedretractor blade is the lateral blade, the spreading device will move theopposite blade in the medial direction to give medial retraction andexposure (See FIG. 30). It is also significant that the rigid bladefixed to the screw is or may be laterally offset from the linear axisdirectly between the screws. In this manner, the fixed retractor bladethat is slightly offset from the screw-screw axis does not obstruct thesurgeon's view and access along the screw-screw axis. With the fixedretractor blade offset laterally, and the movable rigid blade movable inthe medial direction by the spreading device, a highly desirable accesspath is provided directly to the facet joint and the interbody space forthe surgeon to perform a surgical procedure such as a TLIF.Substantially rigid retractor blades 200, 230 are illustrated as metalretractors. However, it is contemplated that the blades may be made ofany material that is sufficiently rigid to retract the desired tissue,and may for example be made of stainless steel, titanium, nitinol, rigidplastics such as polycarbonate or glass filled polycarbonate, and may betransparent or opaque and may be provided with means to conveyillumination to the surgical site.

After the surgeon has performed the portion of the procedure requiringaccess to the facet joint and/or interbody space, such as a TLIFprocedure, the spreading device is released, disconnected from theretraction blades, and removed. The movable rigid retractor blade 230 isremoved from the incision, and the fixed rigid retractor blade 200 isreleased from the pedicle screw and removed from the incision. Theflexible screw-based retractors and the rod-receiving channels of thepedicle screws are then re-oriented so that the flexible arms of eachscrew-based retractors may be spread apart in the medial-lateraldirection.

With reference to FIGS. 29E-29H, an alternate embodiment of theretractor blade is generally designated as 700. Retractor blade 700 issimilar to retractor blade 200. As such, retractor blade 700 includes aretractor blade portion 702, a proximal flange 704 extendingsubstantially perpendicular from blade portion 702, a quick releaseconnector extension 706 extending proximally from proximal flange 704,and an angled distal foot portion 708 with ridges 710 for holding tissuelaterally relative to the retractor blade 700 and inhibiting tissue fromslipping under the distal foot portion 708. Retractor blade 700 alsoincludes an extension member 712 having a first rod-shaped portion 714and a lateral offset arm 716. First rod-shaped portion 714 protrudes ina substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the lateraloffset arm 716. Retractor blade 700 additionally includes a secondrod-shaped portion 718 operatively connected to a ratchet mechanism 720.Ratchet mechanism 720 includes an arm 722 configured to slide laterallyrelative to lateral offset arm 716 and a pawl 724 pivotally coupled tothe retraction blade portion 702. Arm 722 of ratchet mechanism 720 hasteeth 726 adapted to engage the pawl 724. Aside from teeth 726, arm 722may contain a slot 728 formed along at least a portion of a lengththereof, as depicted in FIG. 29H. Slot 728 slidably engages a pin 730protruding from lateral offset arm 716. Slot 728 and pin 730 intersectto maintain relative positioning of arm 722 and blade portion 702. Pawl724 is capable of pivoting toward arm 722 in order to engage teeth 726and lock arm 722 into position and helps maintain the relativepositioning of rod-shaped portions 714, 718. Arm 722 may be repositionedby pivoting pawl 724 away from arm 722 such that the pawl 722 no longerengages teeth 726. Once the pawl 724 has been disengaged from teeth 726,second rod-shaped portion 718 may be translated away or toward firstrod-shaped portion 714. As shown in FIG. 29H, ratchet mechanism 720further includes a spring 734, or any other suitable biasing member,operatively associated with pawl 724. Spring 734 biases pawl 724 towardteeth 726. Since spring 734 is biased toward teeth 726, a surgeon has touse a separate tool, or any other means, to release pawl 724 from teeth726, allowing arm 722 to move toward blade portion 702. To facilitatemovement of second rod-shaped portion 714, retractor blade portion 702has a lateral cutout or opening 732 dimensioned to receive secondrod-shaped portion 718, as shown in FIG. 29E. Lateral cutout 732 allowssecond rod-shaped portion 718 to move closer to first rod-shaped portion714. Each of the first and second rod-shaped portions 714, 718 may havea diameter that substantially corresponds to the diameter of therod-receiving channel 44 of a polyaxial screw illustrated in FIGS. 16and 28.

Although the drawings show rod-shaped portions 714, 718 having acylindrical shape, rod-shaped portions 714, 718 may feature ahalf-rounded shape with rounded bottom section for locking the polyaxialscrew in position and a flat top section for engages a set screw. Duringuse, the set screw engages the flat top section to orient rod-shapedportions 714, 718 relative to the set screw and applies force onrod-shaped portions 714, 718. The force exerted on the rod-shapedportions is transmitted to the set screw to lock the set screw to thescrew-rod housing.

The method of using retractor blade 700 is substantially similar to themethod of employing retractor blade 200. One retractor blade 700,however, is capable of moving two pedicle screws mounted on first andsecond rod-shaped portions 714, 718. To approximate and separate firstand second rod-shaped portions 714, 718 from each other, a surgeon mayemploy the spreading device illustrated in FIG. 34.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show a spreading device 800 including a first arm 852and a second arm 854 pivotally coupled to each other. A pivot pin 850,or any other suitable apparatus, operatively connects first and secondarms 852, 854. Each of first and second arms 852, 854 includes arespective recess 862, 864 adapted for receiving the rod-shaped portionsof a retractor. Recesses 862, 864 face away from each other and areformed on the lateral surfaces of the corresponding first and secondarms 852, 854. In addition, first and second arms 852, 854 are eachoperatively coupled to a corresponding handle 858, 856. Due to thestructural relationship between first and second arms 852, 854 andhandles 856, 858, approximating or squeezing handles 856, 858 towardeach other causes first and second arms 854, 856 to spread apart, asshown in FIG. 35. Conversely, separating handles 856, 858 away from eachother moves the arms 854, 856 close to each other, as seen in FIG. 34.Spreading device 800 may include a biasing member 860 operativelyassociated with handles 856, 858. Biasing member 860 urges handles 856,858 away from each other, thereby biasing the first and second arms 852,854 toward each other. Handles 856, 858 may also be operativelyconnected to a ratchet mechanism 866 for locking arms 852, 854 intoposition. Ratchet mechanism 866 includes a pawl 868 coupled to handle858 and a linear rack 870 attached to handle 856. As seen in FIG, 34,linear rack 870 contains teeth 872 adapted to engage pawl 868 and may bepivotally connected to handle 856 to allow disengagement of linear rack870 from pawl 868. Linear rack 870 may be pivoted away from pawl 868 tounlock ratchet mechanism 866. Normally, linear rack 870 is placedagainst pawl 868 and a movement of handles 856, 858 causes pawl 868 torise and fall over teeth 872 and ultimately locks handle 856, 858 inplace. Alternatively, the user initially squeezes handles 856, 858 andthen moves linear rack 870 toward pawl 868 until pawl 868 engages atooth 872 of linear rack 870 to lock arms 852, 854 in place. During use,spreading device 800 may be utilized to spread rod-shaped portions 714,718 of retractor blade 700, as discussed hereinbelow.

In operation, the retractor blade 700 is mounted to two adjacent pediclescrews attached to vertebral bodies. These pedicle screws may beinserted percutaneously into a vertebral body with retractor 10, 10′,50, or any other suitable apparatus. Spreading device 800, or any othersuitable spreading instrument, is then used to spread the rod-shapedportions 714, 718 apart, thereby distracting the vertebral bodies towhich the screws are mounted. Afterwards, spreading device 250, or anyother suitable device such as a Gelpi retractor, is connected toretraction blade 700. As discussed above with regard to retraction blade200, the surgeon may then utilize spreading device 250 to spread aparttwo retractor blades 700 from each other. Since the retraction blade 700is affixed to the pedicle screws mounted on the vertebral bodies, thepedicle screws are less likely to be dislodged or dislocated by thepatient's breathing, physical contact with the patient, or manipulationof tools or instruments.

In an alternative embodiment of spreading device 800, the distal regions852 d, 854 d of first and second arms 852, 854 are flat structures, asshown in FIG. 35a . Each distal region 852 d, 854 d includes a recess863, 865 formed at the longitudinal end surfaces of first and secondarms 852, 854. Recess 863, 865 are each adapted to receive a rod-shapedportions of a retraction system.

FIGS. 51 and 52 show an alternate embodiment of a spreading devicegenerally designated as 1700. Spreading device 1700 is configured tospread the rod-shaped portions of a retraction system and includes anexternally threaded shaft 1702 and a hollow shaft 1704 having a boreadapted to receive externally threaded shaft 1702. The inner surfaces ofhollow shaft 1704 may form an internal thread configured to engage theexternal threads of shaft 1702. Due to the structural relationshipbetween externally threaded shaft 1702 and hollow shaft 1704, rotatingthreaded shaft 1702 clockwise moves threaded shaft 1702 distallyrelative to hollow shaft 1704. Conversely, rotating threaded shaft 1702counterclockwise moves threaded shaft 1702 proximally with respect tohollow shaft 1704. Spreading device 1700 further includes a movable ring1706 positioned around a portion of threaded shaft 1702. Duringoperation, movable ring 1706 moves concomitantly with threaded shaft1702 when threaded shaft 170 moves proximally or distally. Nonetheless,movable ring 1706 does not rotate with threaded shaft 1702. In addition,spreading device 1700 includes a fixed ring 1708 fixedly attached to adistal portion 1710 of hollow shaft 1704.

Spreading device 1700 further contains first, second, third and fourthrods 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. Together, first, second, third and fourthrods 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718 form a four-bar linkage. Each rod 1712,1714, 1716, 1718 has a respective proximal and distal ends 1712 p, 1712d, 1714 p, 1714 d, 1716 p, 1716 d, 1718 p, 1718 d. Proximal ends 1712 p,1714 p of corresponding first and second rods 1712, 1714 are pivotallycoupled to movable ring 1706. Proximal ends 1716 p, 1718 p of third andfourth rods 1716, 1718 are pivotally connected to fixed ring 1708.Distal ends 1712 d, 1716 d of first and third rods 1712, 1716 arepivotally connected to a first spreading plate 1720. Distal ends 1714 d,1718 d of second and fourth rods 1714, 1718 are pivotally connected to asecond spreading plate 1722. First and second spreading plates eachinclude a recess 1724, 1726 adapted to receive a rod-shaped portion “R”of a retraction system. Generally, rod-shaped portions are secured topedicle screws “S.”

During operation, a surgeon utilizes spreading device 1700 to separatedrod-shaped portions “R” of a retraction system. To space apart therod-shaped portions “R,” the surgeon first positions grabs rod-shapedportions “R” with recess 1724, 1726, while first and second spreadingplates 1720, 1722 are approximated to each other, as seen in FIG. 52.Thereafter, the surgeon rotates threaded shaft 1702 in acounterclockwise direction to move threaded shaft 1702 proximally. Asthreaded shaft 1702 translates proximally, movable ring 1706 alsotranslates in a proximal direction. The proximal translation of movablering 1706 causes the distal ends 1712 d, 1714 d, 1716 d, 1716 d offirst, second, third and fourth rods 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718 to moveproximally and outwardly relative to hollow shaft 1704. This movement offirst, second, third and fourth rods 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718 separatesfirst and second spreading plates 1720, 1722 from each other, therebyspreading apart rod-shaped portions “R.” Since each rod-shaped portion“R” is secured to a pedicle screw “S,” separating the rod-shapedportions “R” increases the distance between the pedicle screws. Due toits versatility, a surgeon may use spreading device 1700 with retractionblade 700, or any other suitable retraction system, to separate pediclesscrews implanted in vertebral bodies.

As seen in FIGS. 29I-29K, retractor blade 700, or any other suitableretractor blade, may alternatively be mounted on a substantially rigidframe 900 capable of moving rod-shaped portions 714, 718 and distractingtissue or vertebral bodies at an incision site. Rigid frame 900 includesa ratchet mechanism 916 operatively connected to a pair of retractionblades 902, 904. Ratchet mechanism 916 includes a rack 918, a pawl 920slidably mounted on the rack 918, and two extension arms 922, 924extending from the rack 918. Rack 918 has teeth 934 adapted to engagepawl 920. Pawl 920 is capable of sliding along rack 918 and engages atooth 934 to lock extension arm 924. Ratchet mechanism 916 may include aspring (not shown), or any other suitable biasing member, to bias pawl920 toward teeth 934 of rack 918. A user may employ a separate tool, orany other means, to release pawl 920 from teeth 934, allowing extendingarm 924 to move toward extension arm 922. Extension arm 924, which isattached to retraction blade 902, is operatively connected to pawl 920.Hence, extension arm 924 moves concomitantly with pawl 920 when pawl 920moves along rack 918. Moving extension arm 924 moves the retractionblade 902 attached to it. Conversely, retraction blade 902 may lockedinto position by engaging pawl 920 with one of the teeth 934 of rack918. When pawl 920 engages a tooth 934, extension arm 924 fixes itsposition and inhibits movement of retraction blade 902.

As discussed above, extension arms 922, 924 are each connected to acorresponding retraction blade 902, 904. In addition, extension arms922, 924 include first and second portions 922 a, 924 a, 922 b, 924 bseparated by hinges 926, 928.

First retraction blade 902 is substantially similar to retraction blade700. Second retraction blade 904 includes a retraction blade portion906, a proximal flange 908 extending substantially perpendicular fromblade portion 906, a quick release connector extension 910, and a distalfoot portion 912 with ridges 914 to hold tissue. Quick release connectorextension 910 is operatively connected to extension arm 922 of theratchet mechanism 916.

In addition to ratchet mechanism 916, rigid frame 900 includes a body936 supporting first and second distraction blades 938, 940. First andsecond distraction blades 938, 940 feature concave profiles and areadapted to displace tissue. Moreover, each distraction blade 938, 940includes a window 948, 950 to enable observation of a patient's anatomybeyond the blades. First distraction blade 938 is attached to a slidablemount 942 configured to move with respect to body 936. In operation,moving mount 942 translates distraction blade 938 closer or farther fromretraction blade 940. Second distraction blade 940 is coupled to an endportion 944 of the body 936. A hinge 946 pivotally attaches end portion944 to the remaining part of body 936. As a result, end portion 944 hasthe ability to pivot with respect to the body 936. Since seconddistraction blade 938 is operatively connected to end portion 944, apivoting of end portion 944 causes second distraction blade 938 to pivotabout hinge 946.

In operation, a surgeon may employ rigid frame 900 to distract tissueand separate vertebral bodies. Initially, the surgeon makes an incisionin the medial lateral direction or in the cephalad-caudal direction.Then, the incision is then retracted by placing distraction blades 938,940 with their free ends close together into the incision. The surgeonmay illuminate the surgical site with a fiberoptic lighting instrumentor any other suitable lighting device. After placing the distractionblades 938, 940 in the desired surgical site, the surgeon may slidefirst distraction blade 938 relative to body 936 of frame 900 toseparate first and second distraction blades 938, 940 from each other,thereby retracting soft tissue at the incision. Subsequently, thesurgeon utilizes the ratchet mechanism 916 to separate soft tissue withfirst and second retraction blades 902, 904. To separate first andsecond retraction blades 902, 904, the surgeon moves the pawl 920 alongrack 918 until the pawl 916 reaches the desired position. As pawl 920moves along rack 918, first retraction blade 902 moves and separatesfrom second retraction blade 904, thereby retracting tissue. Since pawl920 is biased toward rack 918, moving pawl 920 away from extension arm922 causes pawl 920 to rise and fall over teeth 934, and ultimately pawl920 locks extension arm 924 in place. Following tissue retraction, thesurgeon inserts pedicle screws in the vertebral bodies by employing anyof the methods described above. Alternatively, the surgeon may insertpedicle screws percutaneously before retracting tissue. Then, therod-shaped portions of first retraction blade 902 are mounted on thepedicle screws. The surgeons subsequently retracts vertebral bodies byseparating the rod-shaped portions of first retraction blade 902 asdiscussed above with regards to retraction blade 700.

With reference to FIGS. 29L and 29M, another embodiment of the retractorblade is generally designated as 1000. Retraction blade 1000 issubstantially similar to retraction blade 200. Like retraction blade200, retraction blade 1000 contains a retraction blade portion 1002, aproximal flange 1004 extending substantially perpendicular fromretraction blade portion 1002, a quick release connector extension 1006extending proximally from the proximal flange 1004, and a distal footportion 1008. The distal foot portion 1008, however, includes first andsecond extension members 1010, 1012 that are laterally offset relativeto retraction blade portion 1002. First and second extension members1010, 1012 each include a respective a rod-shaped portion 1014, 1016extending from the corresponding therefrom. Second extension member 1012may be pivotally attached to retraction blade portion 1002. Bothrod-shaped portions 1014, 1016 are adapted to be positioned within therod-receiving channel of a pedicle screw 1080. The first rod-shapedportion 1014 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction fromfirst extension member 1010, whereas the second rod-shaped portion 1016extends obliquely from second extension member 1012.

During operation, a surgeon utilizes retractor blade 1000 to separatepedicle screws inserted in vertebral bodies. Initially, the surgeoninserts retraction blade 1000 through an incision and rod-shapedportions 1014, 1016 are placed within the rod receiving channels ofpedicle screws 40. The rod-shaped portions 1014, 1016 are then fixed tothe pedicle screws with any suitable apparatus, component, or device.For instance, the surgeon may employ a set screw to secure therod-shaped portions 1014, 1016 to the pedicle screws. At the outset, thepedicle screw 40 mounted on the second rod-shaped portion 1016 arepositioned closer to retractor blade portion 1002 to minimize thedistance between the pedicle screws positioned on rod-shaped portions1014, 1016. To increase the distance between pedicle screws 40, thesurgeon slides the pedicle screw 40 away from retractor blade portion1002 along rod-shaped portion 1016 and/or pivots second extension member1012 away from first extension member 1010. As pedicle screw 40 movesalong rod-shaped portion 1016, the distance between the two pediclescrews 40 increases and the vertebral bodies attached to the pediclescrews 40 move away from each other.

Referring to FIG. 29N, still another embodiment of the retractor bladeis identified in the drawings as 1100. Retractor blade 1100 includes aretraction blade portion 1102, a proximal flange 1104 extendingsubstantially perpendicular form retraction blade portion 1102, a quickrelease connector portion 1106 extending proximally from proximal flange1104, and a distal foot 1108. Distal foot 1108 includes a ratchetmechanism 1114 operatively associated with first and second rod-shapedportions 1110, 1112. Ratchet mechanism 1114 includes first and secondracks 1116, 1118, a pinion 1120, and a shaft 1122 operatively connectedto pinion 1120. First rack 1116 contains teeth 1116 t adapted to engagepinion 1120 and is operatively coupled to first rod-shaped portion 1110.Similarly, second rack 1118 includes teeth 1118 t configured to engagepinion 1120 and is operatively connected to second rod-shaped portion1112. Shaft 1122 extends from the pinion 1120 to proximal flange 1104.

During operation, any suitable apparatus, device, system, or means mayrotate or lock shaft 1122. Since shaft 1122 is disposed in mechanicalcooperation with pinion 1120, rotating shaft 1122 prompts the rotationof pinion 1120. As pinion 1120 rotates, teeth 1116 t and 1118 t of firstand second racks 1116, 1118, respectively, engage pinion 1120 and causethe translation of racks 1116 and 1118. Specifically, when pinion 1120rotates clockwise, first and second racks 1116, 1118 move toward acenterline of retraction blade portion 1102, causing first and secondrod-shaped portions 1110, 1112 to move toward each other. Conversely,when pinion 1120 rotates counterclockwise, first and second racks 1116,1118 move away from retraction blade portion 1102, thereby increasingthe distance between rod-shaped portions 1110, 1112. In a surgicalprocedure, the surgeon inserts retraction blade 1100 with rod-shapedportions 1110, 1112 close to each other. The surgeon then attaches eachrod-shaped portion 1110, 1112 to a pedicle screw. Each pedicle screw isalready fixed to a vertebral body. After securing the rod-shapedportions 1110, 1112 to the pedicle screws, the surgeon rotates shaft1122 counterclockwise to separate rod-shaped portions 1110, 1112. Whilerod-shaped portions 1110, 1112 separate from each other, the pediclescrews move away from each other and separate the vertebral bodiesattached thereto.

FIGS. 29O and 29P illustrate an alternate embodiment of the retractionblade 1200. The structure and operation of retraction blade 1200 issubstantially similar to the structure and operation of retraction blade1100. Retraction blade 1200, however, includes a translation mechanism1202 instead of a ratchet mechanism. Translation mechanism 1202 isoperatively associated with rod-shaped portions 1210, 1212 and includesa housing 1220 containing a pair of slidable arms 1216, 1218. First andsecond slidable arms 1216, 1218 are configured to slide longitudinallywith respect to each other. Translation mechanism 1202 may furtherinclude a locking pin 1222 extending from the housing to the proximalflange 1204 of the retraction blade 1200. A portion of pin 1222 ispositioned between first and second arms 1216, 1218. When externallyengaged, locking pin 1222 inhibits translation of first and second arms1216, 1218.

In use, a surgeon initially secures each rod-shaped portion 1210, 1212to a pedicle screw to a vertebral body, while the rod-shaped portionsare approximated to each other. Thereafter, the surgeon separates thepedicle screws, and thus the vertebral bodies, by physically spacingapart rod-shaped portions 1210, 1212 with any suitable instrument ordevice. Subsequently, the surgeon rotates pin 1222 and fixes therelative position of rod-shaped portions 1210, 1212 by locking arms1216, 1218 in place.

FIG. 36 depicts another embodiment of a retraction system 1300.Retraction system 1300 contains a ratchet mechanism 1302 operativelyconnected to a retraction blade 1304 and a distraction post 1306.Ratchet mechanism 1302 includes a rack 1308 having teeth 1312 andlocking device 1310, such as a pawl, configured to engage the teeth 1312of rack 1308 and slide along the length of rack 1208. A first supportarm 1314 connects locking device 1310 to retraction blade 1304, whereasa second support arm 1316 fixedly couples distraction post 1306 to anend portion 1318 of the rack 1308. Since locking device 1310 is capableof moving along rack 1308 and locking device 1310 is operativelyattached to first support arm 1314, first support arm 1314 can move awayand toward second support arm 1316. Hinges 1320 a, 1320 b located infirst support arm 1314 allow first support arm 1314 to pivot aboutcertain pivoting points along its length. Likewise, second support arm1316, albeit fixedly attached to rack 1308, includes hinges 1322 a, 1322b that permit second support member 1316 to pivot about certain pivotingpoints along its length. First and second support members 1314, 1316also include corresponding respective connecting portions 1324, 1326adapted to hold retraction blade 1304 and distraction post 1306,respectively.

Retraction blade 1304 is substantially similar to the retraction blade200 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28; however, the laterally offset arm 1328 androd-shaped portion 1330 of retraction blade 1304 are located on anopposite lateral side of retraction blade portion 1332 as compared tolaterally offset arm 216 and rod-shaped portion 214 of retraction blade200. Given that retraction blade 1304 is operatively connected tolocking device 1310 through first support member 1314, translatinglocking device 1310 along rack 1308 moves retraction blade 1304 away ortoward distraction post 1306. When retraction blade 1304 moves away fromdistraction post 1306, the distance between rod-shaped portion 1300 andthe rod-shaped portion 1340 of distraction post 1306 increases. On theother hand, when retraction blade 1304 moves toward distraction post1306, the distance between rod-shaped portion 1300 and rod-shapedportion 1340 of distraction post 1306 decreases.

Distraction post 1306 includes a body portion 1334, a proximal flange1336 extending in a substantially orthogonal direction from a proximalregion 1338 of the body portion 1334, and a rod-shaped portion 1340extending substantially perpendicular from a distal region 1342 of bodyportion 1334. Proximal flange 1336 contains a quick release connectionextension 1344 extending proximally therefrom. Connection extension 1344is configured to be coupled to the connection portion 1326 of secondsupport arm 1316.

Surgeons may use retraction system 1300 for, among other things, spacingapart vertebral bodies. In a surgical procedure, the physician initiallyintroduces pedicle screws into vertebral bodies. Thereafter, the surgeonplaces a portion of retraction system inside a patient's body in orderto secure rod-portions 1330, 1340 to the pedicle screws attached to thevertebral bodies. While coupling the rod-shaped portions 1330, 1340 withthe pedicle screws, retraction blade 1304 and distraction post 1306 mustbe in an approximated position. To space apart the pedicle screws, thesurgeon separate retraction blade 1304 from distraction post 1306 withratchet mechanism 1302. During this process, ratchet mechanism 1302 ispositioned above the patient's skin. By moving locking device 1310 awayfrom the end portion 1318 of rack 1308, the surgeon increases thedistance between rods-shaped portion 1330 of retraction blade 1304 androd-shaped portion 1340 of distraction post 1306, thereby spacing apartthe vertebral bodies attached to the pedicle screws. Once the surgeonhas spaced apart the pedicle screws, the surgeon locks first supportmember 1314 by engaging locking device 1310 to teeth 1312 of rack 1308.

With reference to FIGS. 37-39, an alternate embodiment of the retractionsystem is generally designated as 1400. Retraction system 1400 issimilar to retraction system 1300 but includes, among other things, anangled distraction post 1406. Overall, retraction system 1400 features aratchet mechanism 1402 operatively coupled to angled distraction post1434 and retraction blade 1404. Like retraction mechanism 1302,retraction mechanism 1402 contains a rack 1408 with teeth 1412 and alocking device 1410, such as a pawl, configured to slide along thelength of the rack 1408 and adapted to engage the teeth 1412 of the rack1408. A first support arm 1414 couples locking device 1410 to angleddistraction post 1434, and a second support arm 1416 fixedly connects anend portion 1418 of rack 408 to retraction blade 1404. Each of the firstand second support arms 1414, 1416 includes hinges 1420 a, 1420 b and1422 a, 1422 b, respectively. Hinges 1420 a, 1420 b allow first supportarm 1414 to pivot about certain pivot points along its length.Similarly, hinges 1422 a, 1422 b permits second support arm 1416 topivot about certain pivot points along its length. In addition to hinges1420 a, 1420 b and 1422 a, 1422 b, each of the first and second arms1414, 1416 includes a connecting portion 1424, 1426 adapted to beconnected to distraction post 1406 and retraction blade 1404,respectively.

Angled distraction post 1406 is not parallel to retraction blade 1404.Rather, angled distraction post 1406 defines an angle with respect toretraction blade 1404. Aside from its spatial arrangement, angleddistraction post 1406 features a quick release connection portion 1444located at a proximal end 1438 thereof and a rod-shaped portion 1440positioned at a distal end 1442 thereof. Quick release connectionportion 1444 is configured to be coupled to the connection portion 1424of first support arm 1414. Rod-shaped portion 1440 extends substantiallyperpendicular from the distal foot 1454 and is adapted to be secured inthe rod-receiving channel of a pedicle screw, as shown in FIG. 38.

Refraction blade 1404 contains a retraction blade portion 1432, aproximal flange 1452 extending substantially perpendicular from aproximal region 1450 of retraction blade portion 1432, and a distal foot1454. Proximal flange 1452 features a quick release connection portion1456 adapted to be attached to connecting portion of second support arm1416. Distal foot 1454 includes a rod-shaped portion 1430 extendingsubstantially perpendicular from a lateral side thereof. Rod-shapedportion 1430 is adapted to be secured in a rod-receiving channel of apedicle screw. Distal foot 1454 further includes a slot 1458 adapted toslidably receive rod-shaped portion 1440 of distraction post 1406.Alternatively, retraction system 1400 may include a narrower retractionblade 1405 with shorter slot 1459, as depicted in FIGS. 40 and 41.

Rod-shaped portion 1440 of distraction post 1406 is positioned withinslot 1458 when retraction blade 1404 and distraction post 1440 areapproximated to each other. Rod-shaped portion 1440 slides out of slot1458 upon moving distraction post 1406 away from retraction blade 1404.To move distraction post 1406 away from retraction blade 1404, thesurgeon moves locking device 1410 along rack 1408 away from end portion1418 until the distraction post 1406 reaches the desired location, asshown in FIG. 39. The surgeon then engages locking device 1410 intoteeth 1412 in order to lock distraction post 1406 at the desiredposition.

In a surgical procedure, pedicle screws are first inserted intovertebral bodies. The surgeon subsequently secures the rod-shapedportions 1430, 1440 to the pedicle screws. After fixing the rod-shapedportions 1430, 1440 to the pedicle screws, the surgeon moves distractionpost 1406 away from retraction blade 1404 with ratchet mechanism 1402 toseparate the pedicle screws.

With reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, a retraction system is generallydesignated as 1500. The structure and operation of retraction system1500 is substantially similar to the structure and operation ofretraction system 1400. Nevertheless, retraction system 1500 includes apair of distraction posts 1504, 1506 pivotally interconnected at acentral pivot point “P” instead of a distraction post independentlymovable from a refraction blade. A pivot pin 1562, or any other suitableapparatus, couples first and second distraction posts 1506, 1504 atpivot point “P.” Retraction system 1500 further includes a ratchetmechanism 1502 substantially similar to ratchet mechanism 1402. Ratchetmechanism 1502 is operatively coupled to first and second arms 1514,1516. Second support arm 1516 is fixed to an end portion 1518 portion ofa rack 1508 of ratchet mechanism 1518, and first support arm 1514 ismovable relative to rack 1508. Ratchet mechanism 1502 is configured tomove first support arm 1514 toward or away from second support arm 1516.Ratchet mechanism 1502 further includes a locking device 1510, such apawl, capable of engaging the teeth 1512 of rack 1508 and locking andmoving first support arm 1514.

First support arm 1514 is operatively connected to first distractionpost 1506, and second support arm 1516 is operatively coupled to seconddistraction post 1504. First and second distraction posts 1506, 1504 aresubstantially similar to distraction post 1306. As discussed above, apivot pin, or any other suitable device, pivotally connects first andsecond distraction post 1506, 1504 at pivot point “P.” Hence, first andsecond distraction posts 1506, 1504 pivot about pivot point “P” relativeto each other upon moving first distraction post 1506.

Given that first support member 1514 arm connects locking device 1510 toa proximal portion 1438 of first distraction post 1506, moving thelocking device 1510 along rack 1508 moves the proximal portion 1438 offirst distraction post 1506 away from a proximal portion 1560 of seconddistraction post 1506. While the proximal portions 1538, 1560 of firstand second distraction posts 1506, 1504 move away from each other, firstand second distraction posts 1506, 1504 pivot about pivot point “P” anddistal portions 1528, 1542 of first and second distraction posts 1506,1504 move away from each other, as seen in FIG. 43. Each distal portion1428, 1442 includes a respective rod-shaped portion 1530, 1540 extendingsubstantially perpendicularly therefrom. Rod-shaped portions 1530, 1540are each adapted to be secured to a pedicle screw.

During a surgical operation, rod-shaped portions 1530, 1540 are securedto pedicle screws fixed to vertebral bodies, while distal portions 1528,1542 are approximated to each other. Thereafter, the surgeon separatesrod-shaped portions 1530, 1540 from each other with ratchet mechanism1502, thereby spacing apart the pedicle screws secured to rod-shapedportions 1530, 1530. Throughout this surgical procedure, ratchetmechanism 1506 is located above the patient's skin.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 44, distraction posts 1506,1504 may be substituted by retraction blades 1505, 1507. A pivot pin1563, or any other suitable apparatus, pivotally couples retractionblades 1505, 1507 to each other at a pivot point “Q.” Pivot point “Q” islocated in proximal region 1539, 1561 of retraction blades 1505, 1507.Retraction blade 1505 has a substantially rectangular shape and containsa rod-shaped portion 1531 positioned at a distal region 1529 thereof.Retraction blade 1507 has a triangular shape and includes a rod-shaped1541 and a slot 1561 adapted to receive rod-shaped portion 1531 ofretraction blade 1505. Slot 1561 receives rod-shaped portion 1531 whenrod shaped portions 1531, 1541 are in an approximated position, as shownin FIG. 45. Conversely, rod-shaped portion 1531 is not located withinslot 1561 when rod-shaped portions 1541, 1531 are spaced apart from eachother, as seen in FIG. 44.

With reference to FIGS. 46-50, another embodiment of the presentlydisclosed retraction system is generally designated as 1600. Retractionsystem 1600 includes translation mechanism 1602 operatively associatedwith first and second retraction blades 1604, 1606. Translationmechanism 1602 contains a translation bar 1608 and a locking device 1610configured to move along the translation bar 1608. Locking device 1610has a locking handle 1612 and a translation handle 1614. Actuationlocking handle 1612 fixes the position of locking device 1602 withrespect to translation bar 1608, thereby switching translation mechanism1602 to a locked state. When translation mechanism 1602 is in anunlocked state, a user may displace locking device 1610 alongtranslation bar 1608 by manually manipulating translation bar 1614.

A first support arm 1616 connects translation mechanism 1608 to firstretraction blade 1604. Translation mechanism 1608 is not configured tomove first support arm 1616. First support arm 1616 remains stationaryduring the operation of translation mechanism 1602. A second support arm1618 couples translation mechanism 1602 to second retraction blade 1606.Specifically, second support arm 1618 is attached to locking device1610. Hence, second support arm 1618 moves as locking device 1610 slidesalong translation bar 1608, as illustrated in FIG. 47. As seen in FIG.46, first retraction blade 1604 overlaps second retraction blade 1606,when first and second support arms 1616, 1618 are approximated to eachother. In the depicted embodiment, second retraction blade 1606 liesbehind first retraction blade 1604.

Retraction system 1600 also includes a plunger 1620 for adjusting thelongitudinal distance between first and second retraction blades 1604,1606. Plunger 1620 is operatively attached to second support arm 1618and is configured to move support member 1618 longitudinally. Becausesecond support member 1618 is connected to second retraction blade 1606,actuating plunger 1620 moves second retraction blade 1606 longitudinallyrelative to first retraction blade 1604.

First and second retraction blades 1604, 1606 each include correspondingrod-shaped portions 1622, 1624 extending substantially perpendicularfrom distal regions 1626, 1628 of retraction blades 1604, 1606. Eachrod-shaped portion 1622, 1624 is adapted to be secured to a pediclescrew, as illustrated in FIG. 48. In particular, rod-shaped portions1622, 1624 are each dimensioned to be received by a rod-receivingchannel of the pedicle screws “S.” Therefore, displacing firstretraction blade 1606 away from first retraction blade 1604 withtranslation mechanism 1602 increases the distance between the pediclescrews “S” attached to rod-shaped portions 1622, 1624, as seen in FIG.47.

In a surgical operation, a physician utilizes retraction system 1600 toseparate pedicle screws attached to vertebral bodies. Initially, thephysician inserts pedicle screws into vertebral bodies. Subsequently,the surgeon secures rod-shaped portions 1622, 1624 to the pedicle screwsattached to the vertebral bodies. Retraction blades 1626, 1628 are thenseparated from each other with translation mechanism 1602, therebyspacing apart the pedicle screws. Before separating the pedicle screws,the surgeon may distract soft tissue at the surgical site with a curvedplate 1630.

Curved plate 1630 has a curved body 1632, a distal region 1636, and aproximal region 1634. Distal region 1634 features undulations 1638adapted to receive rod-shaped portions 1622, 1624. Proximal region 1636includes at least one hole 1640 hole for viewing. In use, the surgeonengages undulations 1638 with rod-shaped portions 1622, 1624 after theretraction system 1600 has been placed within the patient. Then, thesurgeon manually moves curved plate 1630 away from retraction blades1604, 1606 to displace soft tissue.

Referring to FIGS. 20-21, flexible refractor blades 8 are spread apartin a medial-lateral direction to retract tissue in the working area, andto provide access to the pedicle screws. As previously discussed,retractor blades 8 may be spread apart using Gelpi retractor 180 (FIG.15) or by the physician manually grasping retractor blades 8 to urgethem apart. After the desired retraction is achieved, rod 3 is insertedthrough passage 18 of retractor 10, 10′ and 50 into rod receivingchannel 44 of pedicle screws 40 (also see FIG. 9).

Once rod 3 is positioned between pairs of pedicle screws 40 and, inparticular through the respective rod receiving passage 44 of each screwwith appropriate distraction and/or compression, rod 3 is secured inplace using set screws or other suitable locking members as previouslydiscussed.

Once the screw-rod construct is complete, retractors 10, 10′ and 50 areremoved from the patient using retractor extractor 300. Retractorextractor 300 is positioned atop pedicle screw 40 such that optionalextension tip 334 of extractor bar 330 (FIG. 18) engages head 42 ofpedicle screw 40 (or, alternatively, the flat end rests upon the screwhead or rod installed in an alternate pedicle screw such as the taperlock screw previously identified). The physician repositions retractorblades 8 towards arm blades 316, 326 (FIGS. 17-18) of retractorextractor 300 such that posts 302 engage instrument holes 6. Onceretractor extractor 300 is installed, the physician pivots handle grip392 towards arms 310, 320. This pivotable movement drives extractor bar330 distally against head 42 while simultaneously pulling retractorblades 8 proximally (through engagement of pins 302 with apertures 6 onthe flexible retractor, see FIG. 19) such that relief regions R (FIG. 2)separate from each other along slits 16. As such, retractor 10, 10′ and50 is separated from pedicle screw 40 without imparting significantdownward or rotational forces against the screw or the patient's body.Retractor 10, 10′ and 50 may now be removed from the patient and thisprocess may be repeated for each installed retractor. Normal surgicaltechniques may be used to close the incision(s).

In an alternate procedure for inserting the pedicle screws, thephysician first prepares the surgical site including positioning aguidewire as discussed hereinabove, optionally using cannulated scalpel120 to prepare an incision, and inserting one of the previouslydisclosed retractors without a pedicle screw. Once the selectedretractor is positioned in a desired location, the physician retractsthe surrounding tissue as discussed hereinabove. Subsequently, thephysician attaches pedicle screw 40 to the vertebral body V using screwinserter 160. In this method, the selected retractor is already inposition prior to attaching pedicle screw 40 to vertebral body V. Inparticular, the physician assembles pedicle screw 40 and screw inserter160. Once assembled, the screw insertion assembly is inserted intopassage 18 of the retractor and pedicle screw 40 is rotated such that itbores into vertebral body V and head 42 seats on the interior surface ofthe distal region of the retractor and thus attaches the retractor tovertebral body V. Optionally, the physician may use cannulated bone tap140 to prepare the bore.

It is contemplated that each flexible retractor may be utilized in, butnot limited to, a method whereby an initial incision is made in the skinof approximately 10-20 mm in length. Surgeon preference will dictate theneed for one or more stages of dilators to aid in expanding the woundbefore introducing one or more retractors in combination with pediclescrews.

The disclosed flexible and rigid retractors, as with any surgicalinstrument and implant, must have the ability to be sterilized usingknown materials and techniques. Parts may be sterile packed by themanufacturer or sterilized on site by the user. Sterile packed parts maybe individually packed or packed in any desirable quantity.

While the method of using rigid retractors for medial-lateral retractionwith one of the retractor blades mounted to a pedicle screw has beendescribed herein in relation to percutaneous screw insertion and use incombination with flexible screw based retractors for cephalad-caudadretraction, it is contemplated that the rigid retractor blades may alsobe utilized in open surgery. Thus, rather than placing the pediclescrews by the percutaneous approach utilizing the flexible screw basedretractors, it is contemplated that the surgeon may choose to access thepedicles and implant the pedicle screws by traditional surgicaltechniques without using a guidewire or retractors 10, 10′, 50. Thus,the use of the retractor system of the present disclosure is not limitedto use with the flexible retractors. The surgeon may choose to accessthe pedicles and implant the pedicle screws in any appropriate manner,including an open or mini-open procedure, or by use of some other screwplacement method. Thereafter, rigid blade 200 may be secured to one ormore of the pedicle screws. The second rigid blade 230 is inserted, theblades are attached to the spreading device, and the movable retractoris spread apart from the retractor mounted to the screw. The surgeonthen accesses the facet and disc space, as necessary or appropriate, andperforms a procedure thereon or therein. After the procedure iscomplete, the medial-lateral retractor is removed, a rod is mounted intothe pedicle screws, and the incision is closed. The surgeon maysubsequently remove some of the distraction and allow compressionbetween the pedicle screws to load a graft positioned between thevertebral bodies. Then, the surgeon secures the rod to the rod receivingchannel or saddle of the pedicle screw by installing a set screw orother locking device and finalizing the rod-screw construct.

Another alternative approach that may be used with screws placed byopen, mini-open or another method including use of the flexibleretractors described herein, involves use of specialized temporary setscrew 600 (FIG. 33). Thus, with at least one pedicle screw implanted(whether by open surgical techniques or a less invasive technique suchas but not limited to those described herein) temporary set screw 600 isengaged with the head of the implanted screw by driving the screwdriving feature. The quick connect proximal head 606 is then connectedto a spreading device such as spreading device 250 (see FIG. 31). Withone spreading arm attached to the temporary set screw in this manner andthereby fixed relative to the implanted screw, a blade attached to theother spreading arm may be moved apart from the screw by actuating thespreading device. In one such procedure, the movable retractor blade isdisposed medially so that actuating the spreading device provides medialretraction. As will be appreciated, in this approach there may or maynot be a separate lateral refraction blade. Thus, the surgeon may chooseto use a lateral retraction blade mounted in the same pedicle screw andheld in place by the specialized temporary set screw, mount a lateralretraction blade in another pedicle screw, use a table or hand heldlateral blade, or forego a lateral blade altogether. Even if no lateralblade is used, it has been found that medial retraction relative to ascrew may provide an appropriate degree of retraction. As an indicationof the flexibility provided to the surgeon by the present system, thesurgeon may choose to secure a first rigid retractor blade 200 mountedin the rod receiving recess of an implanted pedicle screw and securedthereto using specialized set screw 600. Thus, the surgeon would havethe flexibility of attaching the spreading device arm to either thetemporary set screw quick connect or the quick connect on thespecialized retractor blade, or moving the spreading arm from onelocation to the other during the procedure to obtain modified access. Itis also contemplated that a refractor blade could be integrated withspecialized set screw 600, which of course would require an associationof the blade and set screw portions which would permit the set screw torotate relative to the set screw during engagement of the set screw withthe pedicle screw or which would permit the blade portion to be attachedto the set screw (such as by sliding down over the set screw) after theset screw has been implanted.

It is also contemplated that the set screws 600 may be used incombination with retractor blades for distracting tissue. In thisembodiment, set screws 600 are attached to pedicle screws in selectedbony structure. Retractor blades are attached to the set screws suchthat the practitioner is able to manipulate the retractor blades todistract tissue in a desired region of the patient's body and in apredetermined direction (i.e. cephalad-caudad or medial-lateral). Theretractor blade and/or the pedicle screw may be monoaxial or polyaxial.Alternatively, the set screws are attached to pedicle screws in adjacentbony bodies. In this configuration, one or both of the anchored screwsare moved relative to one another to retract the adjacent bony bodies.It is further contemplated that any of the disclosed embodiments ofpedicle screws and retractors may be used to retract tissue or bonystructures.

Alternatively, the presently disclosed pedicle screws and retractors maybe used in Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (“ALIF”) procedures or ineXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (“XLIF”) procedures. In an ALIFprocedure, the incisions are made in the abdominal region to access theselected vertebral bodies. The XLIF procedure is a minimally invasiveapproach to the anterior spine that avoids an abdominal and also avoidscutting or disrupting the muscles of the back. In this technique, thedisk space is accessed from a very small incision on the patient's side(i.e. far lateral).

It is further contemplated that even if the surgeon elects to use theflexible retractors, he or she may choose not to rotate the flexibleretractors 90° as described above in connection with one of thedisclosed methods. Indeed, with the specialized set screw the flexibleretractors may be left in their ordinary medial-lateral orientation andthe temporary set screw mounted to the pedicle screw. The spreadingdevice may then be mounted to the temporary set screw and used withanother retractor blade of any desired shape and width to create thedesired access to the facets and interbody space.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments of the presently disclosed retraction systems and thatdifferent combinations of systems and methods may be constructed.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure.

For example, while the foregoing description has focused on spinesurgery, it is contemplated that the retractors and methods describedherein may find use in other orthopedic surgery applications, such astrauma surgery. Thus, where it is desired to insert a screw or pin intobone in a minimally invasive manner, and to access a surgical targetadjacent the screw or pin, a retractor may be mounted to the screw orpin and a movable retractor spread apart therefrom to provide access.

Numerous variations of the systems and methods for spine surgery alsoare contemplated. For example, although less desired, it is contemplatedthat the rigid medial-lateral retractors could be used withoutattachment to any pedicle screw. The use of the flexible screw basedretractors to define the cephalad-caudad boundaries of the workingchannel and medial-lateral retractors to define the medial-lateralboundaries without fixation to the screws may be less desirable but maysuffice for some procedures. It is further contemplated that the rigidretractors may find application to surgical procedures without the useof flexible screw based retractors. Thus, there may be reason to use therigid retractors with one or both blades fixed relative to the screws inopen surgery for retraction in any desired direction. For example, itmay be desirable to mount the first rigid retractor to one screw duringopen surgery and to spread the movable blade in a cephalad-caudad orother direction, depending upon the procedure to be performed.

It is further contemplated that the shape and configuration of any ofthe retractors disclosed herein could be modified or altered for anygiven application or desired result. In particular, it is contemplatedthat the width, length, curvature, tissue retaining features (such asangled or curved distal tips) may vary depending upon surgicalapplication and surgeon preference. It is further contemplated that anyor all of the retractors described herein could be provided with meansto deliver illumination into the working channel. In this regard, theretractors could be provided with appendages to attach fiber optic orother light sources, or could be provided with integral light channels.Providing integral light channels is particularly appropriate if theretractor is made of plastic, and is contemplated with respect to all ofthe retractors, both flexible and rigid, described herein. The lightchannels may be configured to provide specular illumination in theworking channel of the operating channel, may provide diffuse lightthroughout the working channel, or both.

It is further contemplated that the spreading devices used to spreadapart the flexible retractors and the rigid retractor blades may takedifferent forms and may be integrated together. By way of example, it iscontemplated that the spreading device used with the rigid retractorsmay be a frame type structure of the type described for example in JakoU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,503,617 and 5,813,978 or Hamada U.S. published PatentApplication numbers 2007/0038216 and 2006/0271096 both entitled MinimalIncision Maximal Access MIS Spine Instrumentation and Method,2006/0178693; 2006/0167487; 2005/0240209; 2005/0101985; 2004/0093001;and U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,064 all entitled Minimal Access LumbarDiskectomy Instrumentation and Method.

Thus, it is contemplated that the structures disclosed in the foregoingpatents and applications or variation thereof may be used to spread orhold the flexible or rigid retractor blades apart. In a simplevariation, the flexible retractors might be held apart by being disposedon the outside of a frame as disclosed in the foregoing patents orpatent applications with or without being secured thereto. Thesubstantially rigid retractors might be secured to the retractor framesuch that the position and pivotal orientation of the blades may beadjusted relative to the frame.

It is further contemplated that the extension member attached to therigid retractor may be rotationally attached, so that the position ofthe retractor blade may be rotatably adjusted relative to the screw. Inaddition, the angle of the extension member need not be orthogonal tothe refractor blade, but may be any desired angle. It is alsocontemplated that it may be desirable to have the extension membersituated in the rod receiving channel in line with the axis between thescrews in order that the force exerted by the spreading device on theextension member relative to the screw is perpendicular rather thanparallel to the rod receiving channel, thereby loading the extensionmember to screw interface in a manner less susceptible to slippage ofthe extension member relative to the screw. In this particular example,the extension member might have a stepped configuration so that theextension member sits in the screw receiving channel along the axisbetween the screws, with the retractor blade lateral offset from thescrew-screw axis. The angle of the extension member relative to theretractor blade may be varied for particular applications or desiredresults.

It is also contemplated that the rigid retractor may be mounted to morethan one screw. Thus, the retractor blade may be provided with aplurality of extension members to engage a plurality of implantedpedicle screws, the extension members may be perpendicular to the bladeas depicted in FIG. 27, or may be stepped as described above to bereceived in the rod receiving channels of the screws with the screwchannels aligned with each other.

Variations of the disclosed methods also are contemplated. Multiplelevels of spine operating may be performed with the devices and methodsdisclosed herein on one or both sides of the spine. Advantageously, withthe TLIF approach described above, access to the intervertebral space isonly required on one side of the spine. In the TLIF approach, on theopposite side and at the same level, a screw-rod construct may bepercutaneously implanted. By using the flexible percutaneous retractorswithout forming a skin incision between the screws, the rod may beinserted subcutaneously. In contrast, if a PLIF procedure is to beperformed, the method of medial-lateral retraction of an incisionbetween the screws should be repeated on each side.

The instruments and methods may also find application to implantation ofposteriorly inserted motion preserving devices. While posteriorlyimplanted artificial disks are not yet available, it is expected atleast some of those devices, when available, may require posteriorinsertion in multiple segments from each side of the spinal midline. Inthat situation, the access provided by the current retraction system maybe advantageous. One such device is disclosed in published PCTapplication WO 2007/038418 and corresponding published U.S. PatentApplication 2007/0083267 both entitled Posterior Metal on MetalReplacement Device and Method.

The instruments and methods may also find application with dynamicstabilization systems, used alone or in combination with interbodyimplants or nucleus replacement materials. By way of example, onedynamic stabilization device is shown in WO 2006/119447 entitled MobileSpine Stabilization Device. An example of a nucleus replacement is shownin U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,945 and published application 2004/0068268 bothentitled Devices and Methods for Restoration of a Spinal Disc.

The use of nerve sparing technologies also is gaining favor,particularly in less invasive spine procedures where nerves may not beexposed, visualized and retracted as part of the procedure. Such devicesand techniques involve use of an electrical probe to ascertain whether anerve has been impinged upon by, for example, by an awl, drill, tap orscrew placement. This technique is not feasible when metal retractorsare used. The flexible plastic retractors (10, 10′, 50), dilator 400 andor the instrument introducer sleeve 500 of the present disclosure allare well suited for use with such nerve sparing techniques, as the probemay contact the screw without interference from adjacent metal retractorblades to determine if any nerve disruption has occurred. It is alsocontemplated that if the substantially rigid retractors are made ofplastic, similar advantages may be achieved with those retractors aswell.

These and other variations and modifications of the disclosed systems,apparatus and methods will be realized by those informed by the presentdisclosure, and are contemplated to be part of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure and its use in surgery may provide reducedincision length and/or may reduce trauma to adjacent soft tissue,nerves, vasculature, and musculature when performing spine surgery,which in turn can provide for less pain, scarring and a more rapidrecovery from surgery.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retraction system for separating tissue,comprising: a first retraction blade including: a retraction bladeportion having proximal and distal regions; a flange extending from theproximal region perpendicularly to the retraction blade portion; a footportion extending from the distal region, the foot portion defining anoblique angle with respect to the retraction blade portion; and a firstrod-shaped portion extending orthogonally from the retraction bladeportion.